<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
<html>
<head>
<meta name="generator" content=
"HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st November 2003), see www.w3.org">
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content=
"text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of AESOP'S FABLES, by V. S.
VERNON JONES.</title>

<style type="text/css">
    <!--
    *
  body                 {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
  p                    {text-align: justify;}
  blockquote           {text-align: justify;}
  h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6    {text-align: center;}
  pre                  {font-size: 0.7em;}
  hr                   {text-align: center; width: 35%;}
  .adage               {margin-left: 50% }
  .toc  { margin-left: 25%; margin-bottom: 0em; font-size: 0.8em;}
  .figure, .figleft, .figcenter, .figright
  {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;}
  .figure img, .figleft img, .figcenter img, .figright img,
                       {border: none;}
  .figure p, .figleft p, .figcenter p, .figright p
                       {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;}
  .figleft             {float: left;}
  .figcenter           {margin: auto;}
  .figright            {float: right;}

  // -->
</style>
</head>
<body>


<pre>

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by Aesop

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net


Title: Aesop's Fables

Author: Aesop

Release Date: February 27, 2004 [EBook #11339]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP'S FABLES ***




Produced by Suzanne Shell, Greg Chapman and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team.






</pre>

<br>
<h1>AESOP'S FABLES</h1>
<br>
<br>
<h4>A NEW TRANSLATION<br>
BY</h4>
<h2>V. S. VERNON JONES</h2>
<br>
<br>
<h4>WITH AN INTRODUCTION<br>
BY</h4>
<h3>G. K. CHESTERTON</h3>
<br>
<h4>AND ILLUSTRATIONS<br>
BY</h4>
<h3>ARTHUR RACKHAM<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
1912 EDITION</h3>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/002.jpg"><img src="images/002t.jpg" alt=
"TITLE PAGE"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a>
<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
<br>
<p><i>Aesop embodies an epigram not uncommon in human history; his
fame is all the more deserved because he never deserved it. The
firm foundations of common sense, the shrewd shots at uncommon
sense, that characterise all the Fables, belong not him but to
humanity. In the earliest human history whatever is authentic is
universal: and whatever is universal is anonymous. In such cases
there is always some central man who had first the trouble of
collecting them, and afterwards the fame of creating them. He had
the fame; and, on the whole, he earned the fame. There must have
been something great and human, something of the human future and
the human past, in such a man: even if he only used it to rob the
past or deceive the future. The story of Arthur may have been
really connected with the most fighting Christianity of falling
Rome or with the most heathen traditions hidden in the hills of
Wales. But the word "Mappe" or "Malory" will always mean King
Arthur; even though we find older and better origins than the
Mabinogian; or write later and worse versions than the "Idylls of
the King." The nursery fairy tales may have come out of Asia with
the Indo-European race, now fortunately extinct; they may have been
invented by some fine French lady or gentleman like Perrault: they
may possibly even be what they profess to be. But we shall always
call the best selection of such tales "Grimm's Tales": simply
because it is the best collection.</i></p>
<p><i>The historical Aesop, in so far as he was historical, would seem
to have been a Phrygian slave, or at least one not to be specially
and symbolically adorned with the Phrygian cap of liberty. He
lived, if he did live, about the sixth century before Christ, in
the time of that Croesus whose story we love and suspect like
everything else in Herodotus. There are also stories of deformity
of feature and a ready ribaldry of tongue: stories which (as the
celebrated Cardinal said) explain, though they do not excuse, his
having been hurled over a high precipice at Delphi. It is for those
who read the Fables to judge whether he was really thrown over the
cliff for being ugly and offensive, or rather for being highly
moral and correct. But there is no kind of doubt that the general
legend of him may justly rank him with a race too easily forgotten
in our modern comparisons: the race of the great philosophic
slaves. Aesop may have been a fiction like Uncle Remus: he was
also, like Uncle Remus, a fact. It is a fact that slaves in the old
world could be worshipped like Aesop, or loved like Uncle Remus. It
is odd to note that both the great slaves told their best stories
about beasts and birds.</i></p>
<p><i>But whatever be fairly due to Aesop, the human tradition called
Fables is not due to him. This had gone on long before any
sarcastic freedman from Phrygia had or had not been flung off a
precipice; this has remained long after. It is to our advantage,
indeed, to realise the distinction; because it makes Aesop more
obviously effective than any other fabulist. Grimm's Tales,
glorious as they are, were collected by two German students. And if
we find it hard to be certain of a German student, at least we know
more about him than We know about a Phrygian slave. The truth is,
of course, that Aesop's Fables are not Aesop's fables, any more
than Grimm's Fairy Tales were ever Grimm's fairy tales. But the
fable and the fairy tale are things utterly distinct. There are
many elements of difference; but the plainest is plain enough.
There can be no good fable with human beings in it. There can be no
good fairy tale without them.</i></p>
<p><i>Aesop, or Babrius (or whatever his name was), understood that,
for a fable, all the persons must be impersonal. They must be like
abstractions in algebra, or like pieces in chess. The lion must
always be stronger than the wolf, just as four is always double of
two. The fox in a fable must move crooked, as the knight in chess
must move crooked. The sheep in a fable must march on, as the pawn
in chess must march on. The fable must not allow for the crooked
captures of the pawn; it must not allow for what Balzac called "the
revolt of a sheep" The fairy tale, on the other hand, absolutely
revolves on the pivot of human personality. If no hero were there
to fight the dragons, we should not even know that they were
dragons. If no adventurer were cast on the undiscovered
island&mdash;it would remain undiscovered. If the miller's third
son does not find the enchanted garden where the seven princesses
stand white and frozen&mdash;why, then, they will remain white and
frozen and enchanted. If there is no personal prince to find the
Sleeping Beauty she will simply sleep. Fables repose upon quite the
opposite idea; that everything is itself, and will in any case
speak for itself. The wolf will be always wolfish; the fox will be
always foxy. Something of the same sort may have been meant by the
animal worship, in which Egyptian and Indian and many other great
peoples have combined. Men do not, I think, love beetles or cats or
crocodiles with a wholly personal love; they salute them as
expressions of that abstract and anonymous energy in nature which
to any one is awful, and to an atheist must be frightful. So in all
the fables that are or are not Aesop's all the animal forces drive
like inanimate forces, like great rivers or growing trees. It is
the limit and the loss of all such things that they cannot be
anything but themselves: it is their tragedy that they could not
lose their souls.</i></p>
<p><i>This is the immortal justification of the Fable: that we could
not teach the plainest truths so simply without turning men into
chessmen. We cannot talk of such simple things without using
animals that do not talk at all. Suppose, for a moment, that you
turn the wolf into a wolfish baron, or the fox into a foxy
diplomatist. You will at once remember that even barons are human,
you will be unable to forget that even diplomatists are men. You
will always be looking for that accidental good-humour that should
go with the brutality of any brutal man; for that allowance for all
delicate things, including virtue, that should exist in any good
diplomatist. Once put a thing on two legs instead of four and pluck
it of feathers and you cannot help asking for a human being, either
heroic, as in the fairy tales, or un-heroic, as in the modern
novels.</i></p>
<p><i>But by using animals in this austere and arbitrary style as they
are used on the shields of heraldry or the hieroglyphics of the
ancients, men have really succeeded in handing down those
tremendous truths that are called truisms. If the chivalric lion be
red and rampant, it is rigidly red and rampant; if the sacred ibis
stands anywhere on one leg, it stands on one leg for ever. In this
language, like a large animal alphabet, are written some of the
first philosophic certainties of men. As the child learns A for Ass
or B for Bull or C for Cow, so man has learnt here to connect the
simpler and stronger creatures with the simpler and stronger
truths. That a flowing stream cannot befoul its own fountain, and
that any one who says it does is a tyrant and a liar; that a mouse
is too weak to fight a lion, but too strong for the cords that can
hold a lion; that a fox who gets most out of a flat dish may easily
get least out of a deep dish; that the crow whom the gods forbid to
sing, the gods nevertheless provide with cheese; that when the goat
insults from a mountain-top it is not the goat that insults, but
the mountain: all these are deep truths deeply graven on the rocks
wherever men have passed. It matters nothing how old they are, or
how new; they are the alphabet of humanity, which like so many
forms of primitive picture-writing employs any living symbol in
preference to man. These ancient and universal tales are all of
animals; as the latest discoveries in the oldest pre-historic
caverns are all of animals. Man, in his simpler states, always felt
that he himself was something too mysterious to be drawn. But the
legend he carved under these cruder symbols was everywhere the
same; and whether fables began with Aesop or began with Adam,
whether they were German and mediAeval as Reynard the Fox, or as
French and Renaissance as La Fontaine, the upshot is everywhere
essentially the same: that superiority is always insolent, because
it is always accidental; that pride goes before a fall; and that
there is such a thing as being too clever by half. You will not
find any other legend but this written upon the rocks by any hand
of man. There is every type and time of fable: but there is only
one moral to the fable; because there is only one moral to
everything.</i></p>
<p>G. K. CHESTERTON</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="CONTENTS"></a>
<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
<br>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_GRAPES">THE FOX AND THE
GRAPES</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GOOSE_THAT_LAID_THE_GOLDEN_EGGS">THE
GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CAT_AND_THE_MICE">THE CAT AND THE
MICE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MISCHIEVOUS_DOG">THE MISCHIEVOUS
DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CHARCOAL-BURNER_AND_THE_FULLER">THE
CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MICE_IN_COUNCIL">THE MICE IN
COUNCIL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BAT_AND_THE_WEASELS">THE BAT AND THE
WEASELS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_AND_THE_SOW">THE DOG AND THE
SOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_CROW">THE FOX AND THE
CROW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HORSE_AND_THE_GROOM">THE HORSE AND THE
GROOM</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_LAMB">THE WOLF AND THE
LAMB</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PEACOCK_AND_THE_CRANE">THE PEACOCK AND
THE CRANE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CAT_AND_THE_BIRDS">THE CAT AND THE
BIRDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SPENDTHRIFT_AND_THE_SWALLOW">THE
SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_THE_DOCTOR">THE OLD
WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MOON_AND_HER_MOTHER">THE MOON AND HER
MOTHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#MERCURY_AND_THE_WOODMAN">MERCURY AND THE
WOODMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_LION">THE ASS,
THE FOX, AND THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_MOUSE">THE LION AND THE
MOUSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CROW_AND_THE_PITCHER">THE CROW AND THE
PITCHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOYS_AND_THE_FROGS">THE BOYS AND THE
FROGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_NORTH_WIND_AND_THE_SUN">THE NORTH WIND
AND THE SUN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MISTRESS_AND_HER_SERVANTS">THE
MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GOODS_AND_THE_ILLS">THE GOODS AND THE
ILLS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HARES_AND_THE_FROGS">THE HARES AND THE
FROGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_STORK">THE FOX AND THE
STORK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_IN_SHEEP'S_CLOTHING">THE WOLF IN
SHEEP'S CLOTHING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_STAG_IN_THE_OX-STALL">THE STAG IN THE
OX-STALL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MILKMAID_AND_HER_PAIL">THE MILKMAID
AND HER PAIL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_DOLPHINS,_THE_WHALES,_AND_THE_SPRAT">THE DOLPHINS, THE
WHALES, AND THE SPRAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_MONKEY">THE FOX AND THE
MONKEY</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_THE_LAP-DOG">THE ASS AND THE
LAP-DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FIR-TREE_AND_THE_BRAMBLE">THE FIR-TREE
AND THE BRAMBLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FROGS'_COMPLAINT_AGAINST_THE_SUN">THE
FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG,_THE_COCK,_AND_THE_FOX">THE DOG,
THE COCK, AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GNAT_AND_THE_BULL">THE GNAT AND THE
BULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BEAR_AND_THE_TRAVELLERS">THE BEAR AND
THE TRAVELLERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SLAVE_AND_THE_LION">THE SLAVE AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FLEA_AND_THE_MAN">THE FLEA AND THE
MAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BEE_AND_JUPITER">THE BEE AND
JUPITER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OAK_AND_THE_REEDS">THE OAK AND THE
REEDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BLIND_MAN_AND_THE_CUB">THE BLIND MAN
AND THE CUB</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOY_AND_THE_SNAILS">THE BOY AND THE
SNAILS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_APES_AND_THE_TWO_TRAVELLERS">THE APES
AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_HIS_BURDENS">THE ASS AND HIS
BURDENS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHEPHERD'S_BOY_AND_THE_WOLF">THE
SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_GOAT">THE FOX AND THE
GOAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FISHERMAN_AND_THE_SPRAT">THE FISHERMAN
AND THE SPRAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOASTING_TRAVELLER">THE BOASTING
TRAVELLER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CRAB_AND_HIS_MOTHER">THE CRAB AND HIS
MOTHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_HIS_SHADOW">THE ASS AND HIS
SHADOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_HIS_SONS">THE FARMER AND
HIS SONS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_AND_THE_COOK">THE DOG AND THE
COOK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MONKEY_AS_KING">THE MONKEY AS
KING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_THIEVES_AND_THE_COCK">THE THIEVES AND
THE COCK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_FORTUNE">THE FARMER AND
FORTUNE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#JUPITER_AND_THE_MONKEY">JUPITER AND THE
MONKEY</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#FATHER_AND_SONS">FATHER AND SONS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LAMP">THE_LAMP</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OWL_AND_THE_BIRDS">THE OWL AND THE
BIRDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_IN_THE_LION'S_SKIN">THE ASS IN THE
LION'S SKIN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHE-GOATS_AND_THEIR_BEARDS">THE
SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLD_LION">THE OLD LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOY_BATHING">THE BOY BATHING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_QUACK_FROG">THE QUACK FROG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SWOLLEN_FOX">THE SWOLLEN FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MOUSE,_THE_FROG,_AND_THE_HAWK">THE
MOUSE, THE FROG, AND THE HAWK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOY_AND_THE_NETTLES">THE BOY AND THE
NETTLES</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PEASANT_AND_THE_APPLE-TREE">THE
PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_JACKDAW_AND_THE_PIGEONS">THE JACKDAW
AND THE PIGEONS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#JUPITER_AND_THE_TORTOISE">JUPITER AND THE
TORTOISE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_IN_THE_MANGER">THE DOG IN THE
MANGER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TWO_BAGS">THE TWO BAGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OXEN_AND_THE_AXLETREES">THE OXEN AND
THE AXLETREES</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BOY_AND_THE_FILBERTS">THE BOY AND THE
FILBERTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FROGS_ASKING_FOR_A_KING">THE FROGS
ASKING FOR A KING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLIVE-TREE_AND_THE_FIG-TREE">THE
OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_BOAR">THE LION AND THE
BOAR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WALNUT-TREE">THE WALNUT-TREE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MAN_AND_THE_LION">THE MAN AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TORTOISE_AND_THE_EAGLE">THE TORTOISE
AND THE EAGLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_KID_ON_THE_HOUSETOP">THE KID ON THE
HOUSETOP</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_WITHOUT_A_TAIL">THE FOX WITHOUT A
TAIL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_VAIN_JACKDAW">THE VAIN JACKDAW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TRAVELLER_AND_HIS_DOG">THE TRAVELLER
AND HIS DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHIPWRECKED_MAN_AND_THE_SEA">THE
SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WILD_BOAR_AND_THE_FOX">THE WILD BOAR
AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#MERCURY_AND_THE_SCULPTOR">MERCURY AND THE
SCULPTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FAWN_AND_HIS_MOTHER">THE FAWN AND HIS
MOTHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_LION">THE FOX AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE_AND_HIS_CAPTOR">THE EAGLE AND
HIS CAPTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BLACKSMITH_AND_HIS_DOG">THE BLACKSMITH
AND HIS DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_STAG_AT_THE_POOL">THE STAG AT THE
POOL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_AND_THE_SHADOW">THE DOG AND THE
SHADOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#MERCURY_AND_THE_TRADESMEN">MERCURY AND THE
TRADESMEN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MICE_AND_THE_WEASELS">THE MICE AND THE
WEASELS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PEACOCK_AND_JUNO">THE PEACOCK AND
JUNO</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BEAR_AND_THE_FOX">THE BEAR AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_THE_OLD_PEASANT">THE ASS AND
THE OLD PEASANT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OX_AND_THE_FROG">THE OX AND THE
FROG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MAN_AND_THE_IMAGE">THE MAN AND THE
IMAGE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#HERCULES_AND_THE_WAGGONER">HERCULES AND
THE WAGGONER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_POMEGRANATE,_THE_APPLE-TREE,_AND_THE_BRAMBLE">THE
POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE-TREE, AND THE BRAMBLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_THE_BEAR,_AND_THE_FOX">THE LION,
THE BEAR, AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BLACKAMOOR">THE BLACKAMOOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TWO_SOLDIERS_AND_THE_ROBBER">THE TWO
SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_WILD_ASS">THE LION AND
THE WILD ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MAN_AND_THE_SATYR">THE MAN AND THE
SATYR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_IMAGE-SELLER">THE IMAGE-SELLER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_ARROW">THE EAGLE AND THE
ARROW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_RICH_MAN_AND_THE_TANNER">THE RICH MAN
AND THE TANNER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF,_THE_MOTHER,_AND_HER_CHILD">THE
WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_THE_WINE-JAR">THE OLD
WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LIONESS_AND_THE_VIXEN">THE LIONESS AND
THE VIXEN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_VIPER_AND_THE_FILE">THE VIPER AND THE
FILE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CAT_AND_THE_COCK">THE CAT AND THE
COCK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HARE_AND_THE_TORTOISE">THE HARE AND
THE TORTOISE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SOLDIER_AND_HIS_HORSE">THE SOLDIER AND
HIS HORSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OXEN_AND_THE_BUTCHERS">THE OXEN AND
THE BUTCHERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_LION">THE WOLF AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHEEP,_THE_WOLF,_AND_THE_STAG">THE
SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_THREE_BULLS">THE LION AND
THE THREE BULLS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HORSE_AND_HIS_RIDER">THE HORSE AND HIS
RIDER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GOAT_AND_THE_VINE">THE GOAT AND THE
VINE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TWO_POTS">THE TWO POTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLD_HOUND">THE OLD HOUND</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CLOWN_AND_THE_COUNTRYMAN">THE CLOWN
AND THE COUNTRYMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LARK_AND_THE_FARMER">THE LARK AND THE
FARMER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_ASS">THE LION AND THE
ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PROPHET">THE PROPHET</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HOUND_AND_THE_HARE">THE HOUND AND THE
HARE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_THE_MOUSE,_AND_THE_FOX">THE
LION, THE MOUSE, AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TRUMPETER_TAKEN_PRISONER">THE
TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_CRANE">THE WOLF AND THE
CRANE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE,_THE_CAT,_AND_THE_WILD_SOW">THE
EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_SHEEP">THE WOLF AND THE
SHEEP</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TUNNY-FISH_AND_THE_DOLPHIN">THE
TUNNY-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_THREE_TRADESMEN">THE THREE
TRADESMEN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MOUSE_AND_THE_BULL">THE MOUSE AND THE
BULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HARE_AND_THE_HOUND">THE HARE AND THE
HOUND</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TOWN_MOUSE_AND_THE_COUNTRY_MOUSE">THE
TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_BULL">THE LION AND THE
BULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_APE">THE WOLF,
THE FOX, AND THE APE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_COCKS">THE EAGLE AND THE
COCKS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ESCAPED_JACKDAW">THE ESCAPED
JACKDAW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_THE_FOX">THE FARMER AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#VENUS_AND_THE_CAT">VENUS AND THE
CAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CROW_AND_THE_SWAN">THE CROW AND THE
SWAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_STAG_WITH_ONE_EYE">THE STAG WITH ONE
EYE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FLY_AND_THE_DRAUGHT-MULE">THE FLY AND
THE DRAUGHT-MULE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_COCK_AND_THE_JEWEL">THE COCK AND THE
JEWEL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_SHEPHERD">THE WOLF AND
THE SHEPHERD</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_THE_STORK">THE FARMER AND
THE STORK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CHARGER_AND_THE_MILLER">THE CHARGER
AND THE MILLER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GRASSHOPPER_AND_THE_OWL">THE
GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GRASSHOPPER_AND_THE_ANTS">THE
GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_THE_VIPER">THE FARMER AND
THE VIPER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TWO_FROGS">THE TWO FROGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_COBBLER_TURNED_DOCTOR">THE COBBLER
TURNED DOCTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS,_THE_COCK,_AND_THE_LION">THE ASS,
THE COCK, AND THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BELLY_AND_THE_MEMBERS">THE BELLY AND
THE MEMBERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BALD_MAN_AND_THE_FLY">THE BALD MAN AND
THE FLY</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_THE_WOLF">THE ASS AND THE
WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MONKEY_AND_THE_CAMEL">THE MONKEY AND
THE CAMEL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SICK_MAN_AND_THE_DOCTOR">THE SICK MAN
AND THE DOCTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TRAVELLERS_AND_THE_PLANE-TREE">THE
TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FLEA_AND_THE_OX">THE FLEA AND THE
OX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BIRDS,_THE_BEASTS,_AND_THE_BAT">THE
BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MAN_AND_HIS_TWO_SWEETHEARTS">THE MAN
AND HIS TWO SWEETHEARTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_EAGLE,_THE_JACKDAW,_AND_THE_SHEPHERD">THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW,
AND THE SHEPHERD</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_BOY">THE WOLF AND THE
BOY</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MILLER,_HIS_SON,_AND_THEIR_ASS">THE
MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_STAG_AND_THE_VINE">THE STAG AND THE
VINE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LAMB_CHASED_BY_A_WOLF">THE LAMB CHASED
BY A WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ARCHER_AND_THE_LION">THE ARCHER AND
THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_GOAT">THE WOLF AND THE
GOAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SICK_STAG">THE SICK STAG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_THE_MULE">THE ASS AND THE
MULE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#BROTHER_AND_SISTER">BROTHER AND
SISTER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HEIFER_AND_THE_OX">THE HEIFER AND THE
OX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_KINGDOM_OF_THE_LION">THE KINGDOM OF
THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_HIS_DRIVER">THE ASS AND HIS
DRIVER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_AND_THE_HARE">THE LION AND THE
HARE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLVES_AND_THE_DOGS">THE WOLVES AND
THE DOGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BULL_AND_THE_CALF">THE BULL AND THE
CALF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TREES_AND_THE_AXE">THE TREES AND THE
AXE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASTRONOMER">THE ASTRONOMER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LABOURER_AND_THE_SNAKE">THE LABOURER
AND THE SNAKE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CAGE-BIRD_AND_THE_BAT">THE CAGE-BIRD
AND THE BAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_HIS_PURCHASER">THE ASS AND HIS
PURCHASER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_KID_AND_THE_WOLF">THE KID AND THE
WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DEBTOR_AND_HIS_SOW">THE DEBTOR AND HIS
SOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BALD_HUNTSMAN">THE BALD
HUNTSMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HERDSMAN_AND_THE_LOST_BULL">THE
HERDSMAN AND THE LOST BULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MULE">THE MULE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HOUND_AND_THE_FOX">THE HOUND AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FATHER_AND_HIS_DAUGHTERS">THE FATHER
AND HIS DAUGHTERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_THIEF_AND_THE_INNKEEPER">THE THIEF AND
THE INNKEEPER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PACK-ASS_AND_THE_WILD_ASS">THE
PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_HIS_MASTERS">THE ASS AND HIS
MASTERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_PACK-ASS,_THE_WILD_ASS,_AND_THE_LION">THE PACK-ASS, THE WILD
ASS, AND THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ANT">THE ANT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FROGS_AND_THE_WELL">THE FROGS AND THE
WELL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CRAB_AND_THE_FOX">THE CRAB AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_GRASSHOPPER">THE FOX AND
THE GRASSHOPPER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER,_HIS_BOY,_AND_THE_ROOKS">THE
FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_AND_THE_DOG">THE ASS AND THE
DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ASS_CARRYING_THE_IMAGE">THE ASS
CARRYING THE IMAGE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ATHENIAN_AND_THE_THEBAN">THE ATHENIAN
AND THE THEBAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GOATHERD_AND_THE_GOAT">THE GOATHERD
AND THE GOAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHEEP_AND_THE_DOG">THE SHEEP AND THE
DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SHEPHERD_AND_THE_WOLF">THE SHEPHERD
AND THE WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_JUPITER,_AND_THE_ELEPHANT">THE
LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PIG_AND_THE_SHEEP">THE PIG AND THE
SHEEP</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GARDENER_AND_HIS_DOG">THE GARDENER AND
HIS DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_RIVERS_AND_THE_SEA">THE RIVERS AND THE
SEA</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION_IN_LOVE">THE LION IN LOVE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BEE-KEEPER">THE BEE-KEEPER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_THE_HORSE">THE WOLF AND THE
HORSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BAT,_THE_BRAMBLE,_AND_THE_SEAGULL">THE
BAT, THE BRAMBLE, AND THE SEAGULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_AND_THE_WOLF">THE DOG AND THE
WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WASP_AND_THE_SNAKE">THE WASP AND THE
SNAKE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_BEETLE">THE EAGLE AND
THE BEETLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOWLER_AND_THE_LARK">THE FOWLER AND
THE LARK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FISHERMAN_PIPING">THE FISHERMAN
PIPING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WEASEL_AND_THE_MAN">THE WEASEL AND THE
MAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PLOUGHMAN,_THE_ASS,_AND_THE_OX">THE
PLOUGHMAN, THE ASS, AND THE OX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#DEMADES_AND_HIS_FABLE">DEMADES AND HIS
FABLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MONKEY_AND_THE_DOLPHIN">THE MONKEY AND
THE DOLPHIN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CROW_AND_THE_SNAKE">THE CROW AND THE
SNAKE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOGS_AND_THE_FOX">THE DOGS AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_NIGHTINGALE_AND_THE_HAWK">THE
NIGHTINGALE AND THE HAWK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ROSE_AND_THE_AMARANTH">THE ROSE AND
THE AMARANTH</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_MAN,_THE_HORSE,_THE_OX,_AND_THE_DOG">THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE
OX, AND THE DOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLVES,_THE_SHEEP,_AND_THE_RAM">THE
WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SWAN">THE SWAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SNAKE_AND_JUPITER">THE SNAKE AND
JUPITER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOLF_AND_HIS_SHADOW">THE WOLF AND HIS
SHADOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PLOUGHMAN_AND_THE_WOLF">THE PLOUGHMAN
AND THE WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#MERCURY_AND_THE_MAN_BITTEN_BY_AN_ANT">MERCURY AND THE MAN BITTEN
BY AN ANT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WILY_LION">THE WILY LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PARROT_AND_THE_CAT">THE PARROT AND THE
CAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_STAG_AND_THE_LION">THE STAG AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_IMPOSTOR">THE IMPOSTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOGS_AND_THE_HIDES">THE DOGS AND THE
HIDES</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_ASS">THE LION,
THE FOX, AND THE ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#THE_FOWLER,_THE_PARTRIDGE,_AND_THE_COCK">THE FOWLER, THE
PARTRIDGE, AND THE COCK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GNAT_AND_THE_LION">THE GNAT AND THE
LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FARMER_AND_HIS_DOGS">THE FARMER AND
HIS DOGS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_FOX">THE EAGLE AND THE
FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_BUTCHER_AND_HIS_CUSTOMERS">THE BUTCHER
AND HIS CUSTOMERS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#HERCULES_AND_MINERVA">HERCULES AND
MINERVA</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_WHO_SERVED_A_LION">THE FOX WHO
SERVED A LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_QUACK_DOCTOR">THE QUACK DOCTOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_THE_WOLF,_AND_THE_FOX">THE LION,
THE WOLF, AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#HERCULES_AND_PLUTUS">HERCULES AND
PLUTUS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_LEOPARD">THE FOX AND THE
LEOPARD</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_HEDGEHOG">THE FOX AND THE
HEDGEHOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_CROW_AND_THE_RAVEN">THE CROW AND THE
RAVEN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WITCH">THE WITCH</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_OLD_MAN_AND_DEATH">THE OLD MAN AND
DEATH</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MISER">THE_MISER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOXES_AND_THE_RIVER">THE FOXES AND THE
RIVER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HORSE_AND_THE_STAG">THE HORSE AND THE
STAG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_BRAMBLE">THE FOX AND THE
BRAMBLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_FOX_AND_THE_SNAKE">THE FOX AND THE
SNAKE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_LION,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_STAG">THE LION,
THE FOX, AND THE STAG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_MAN_WHO_LOST_HIS_SPADE">THE MAN WHO
LOST HIS SPADE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_PARTRIDGE_AND_THE_FOWLER">THE
PARTRIDGE AND THE FOWLER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_RUNAWAY_SLAVE">THE RUNAWAY
SLAVE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HUNTER_AND_THE_WOODMAN">THE HUNTER AND
THE WOODMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SERPENT_AND_THE_EAGLE">THE SERPENT AND
THE EAGLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_ROGUE_AND_THE_ORACLE">THE ROGUE AND
THE ORACLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HORSE_AND_THE_ASS">THE HORSE AND THE
ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_DOG_CHASING_A_WOLF">THE DOG CHASING A
WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#GRIEF_AND_HIS_DUE">GRIEF AND HIS
DUE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HAWK,_THE_KITE,_AND_THE_PIGEONS">THE
HAWK, THE KITE, AND THE PIGEONS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_WOMAN_AND_THE_FARMER">THE WOMAN AND
THE FARMER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href=
"#PROMETHEUS_AND_THE_MAKING_OF_MAN">PROMETHEUS AND THE MAKING OF
MAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_SWALLOW_AND_THE_CROW">THE SWALLOW AND
THE CROW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_HUNTER_AND_THE_HORSEMAN">THE HUNTER
AND THE HORSEMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_GOATHERD_AND_THE_WILD_GOATS">THE
GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_NIGHTINGALE_AND_THE_SWALLOW">THE
NIGHTINGALE AND THE SWALLOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#THE_TRAVELLER_AND_FORTUNE">THE TRAVELLER
AND FORTUNE</a></p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>
<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
<br>
<h3>IN COLOUR</h3>
<p class="toc"><a href="#01hare">THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#02moon">THE MOON AND HER MOTHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#03fir">THE FIR-TREE AND THE
BRAMBLE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#04crab">THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#05quack">THE QUACK FROG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#06ship">THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE
SEA</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#07black">THE BLACKAMOOR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#082pots">THE TWO POTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#09venus">VENUS AND THE CAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#10trav">THE TRAVELLERS AND THE
PLANE-TREE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#11trees">THE TREES AND THE AXE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#12lion">THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE
ELEPHANT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#13gnat">THE GNAT AND THE LION</a></p>
<br>
<h3>IN BLACK AND WHITE</h3>
<p class="toc"><a href="#030-2">THE FOX AND THE GRAPES</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#036">THE FOX AND THE CROW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#040">THE CAT AND THE BIRDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#046">THE CROW AND THE PITCHER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#048">THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#052-2">THE FOX AND THE STORK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#059">THE GNAT AND THE BULL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#062">THE FLEA AND THE MAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#066">THE OAK AND THE REEDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#076">THE THIEVES AND THE COCK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#080">THE OWL AND THE BIRDS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#082">THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#084">THE BOY BATHING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#089">THE DOG IN THE MANGER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#091">THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#092">KING LOG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#097">THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#101-1">THE FOX AND THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#104">THE DOG AND THE SHADOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#108">THE BEAR AND THE FOX</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#110">THE OX AND THE FROG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#116">THE MAN AND THE SATYR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#119">THE OLD WOMAN AND THE
WINE-JAR</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#122">THE CAT AND THE COCK</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#126-3">THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE
STAG</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#128">THE GOAT AND THE VINE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#133">THE HOUND AND THE HARE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#136">THE WOLF AND THE CRANE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#141">THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY
MOUSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#144">THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE
APE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#150">THE COCK AND THE JEWEL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#154">THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#158-1">THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#160">THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#165-1">THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR
ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#170">THE WOLF AND THE GOAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#174">THE KINGDOM OF THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#180">THE KID AND THE WOLF</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#183-1">THE MULE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#190">THE FROGS AND THE WELL</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#196">THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#204">THE WOLF AND THE HORSE</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#210">THE FISHERMAN PIPING</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#214">THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#220">THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#225">THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE
ASS</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#227">THE GNAT AND THE LION</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#234">THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#238">THE MISER</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#245">THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN</a></p>
<p class="toc"><a href="#247">THE HORSE AND THE ASS</a></p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<h1>AESOP'S FABLES</h1>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/030-1.jpg"><img src="images/030-1.jpg" alt=
"GRAPES"></a></div>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_GRAPES"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE GRAPES</h2>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/030-2.jpg" name=
"030-2"><img src="images/030-2.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX AND THE GRAPES"></a></div>
<p>A hungry Fox saw some fine bunches of Grapes hanging from a vine
that was trained along a high trellis, and did his best to reach
them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in
vain, for they were just out of reach: so he gave up trying, and
walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, "I
thought those Grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite
sour."</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GOOSE_THAT_LAID_THE_GOLDEN_EGGS"></a>
<h2>THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man and his Wife had the good fortune to possess a Goose which
laid a Golden Egg every day. Lucky though they were, they soon
began to think they were not getting rich fast enough, and,
imagining the bird must be made of gold inside, they decided to
kill it in order to secure the whole store of precious metal at
once. But when they cut it open they found it was just like any
other goose. Thus, they neither got rich all at once, as they had
hoped, nor enjoyed any longer the daily addition to their
wealth.</p>
<p class="adage">Much wants more and loses all.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CAT_AND_THE_MICE"></a>
<h2>THE CAT AND THE MICE</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a house that was overrun with Mice. A Cat heard
of this, and said to herself, "That's the place for me," and off
she went and took up her quarters in the house, and caught the Mice
one by one and ate them. At last the Mice could stand it no longer,
and they determined to take to their holes and stay there. "That's
awkward," said the Cat to herself: "the only thing to do is to coax
them out by a trick." So she considered a while, and then climbed
up the wall and let herself hang down by her hind legs from a peg,
and pretended to be dead. By and by a Mouse peeped out and saw the
Cat hanging there. "Aha!" it cried, "you're very clever, madam, no
doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there,
if you like, yet you won't catch us coming anywhere near you."</p>
<p class="adage">If you are wise you won't be deceived by the
innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be
dangerous.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MISCHIEVOUS_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them
without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to every one
who came to his master's house. So his master fastened a bell round
his neck to warn people of his presence. The Dog was very proud of
the bell, and strutted about tinkling it with immense satisfaction.
But an old dog came up to him and said, "The fewer airs you give
yourself the better, my friend. You don't think, do you, that your
bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a
badge of disgrace."</p>
<p class="adage">Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CHARCOAL-BURNER_AND_THE_FULLER"></a>
<h2>THE CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by
himself. A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same
neighbourhood; and the Charcoal-burner, having made his
acquaintance and finding he was an agreeable sort of fellow, asked
him if he would come and share his house: "We shall get to know one
another better that way," he said, "and, beside, our household
expenses will be diminished." The Fuller thanked him, but replied,
"I couldn't think of it, sir: why, everything I take such pains to
whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MICE_IN_COUNCIL"></a>
<h2>THE MICE IN COUNCIL</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time all the Mice met together in Council, and
discussed the best means of securing themselves against the attacks
of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a Mouse of
some standing and experience got up and said, "I think I have hit
upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, provided
you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell
round the neck of our enemy the cat, which will by its tinkling
warn us of her approach." This proposal was warmly applauded, and
it had been already decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon
his feet and said, "I agree with you all that the plan before us is
an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BAT_AND_THE_WEASELS"></a>
<h2>THE BAT AND THE WEASELS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Bat fell to the ground and was caught by a Weasel, and was
just going to be killed and eaten when it begged to be let go. The
Weasel said he couldn't do that because he was an enemy of all
birds on principle. "Oh, but," said the Bat, "I'm not a bird at
all: I'm a mouse." "So you are," said the Weasel, "now I come to
look at you"; and he let it go. Some time after this the Bat was
caught in just the same way by another Weasel, and, as before,
begged for its life. "No," said the Weasel, "I never let a mouse go
by any chance." "But I'm not a mouse," said the Bat; "I'm a bird."
"Why, so you are," said the Weasel; and he too let the Bat go.</p>
<p class="adage">Look and see which way the wind blows before you
commit yourself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG_AND_THE_SOW"></a>
<h2>THE DOG AND THE SOW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Dog and a Sow were arguing and each claimed that its own young
ones were finer than those of any other animal. "Well," said the
Sow at last, "mine can see, at any rate, when they come into the
world: but yours are born blind."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/036.jpg" name="036"><img src=
"images/036t.jpg" alt="THE FOX AND THE CROW"></a></div>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_CROW"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE CROW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Crow was sitting on a branch of a tree with a piece of cheese
in her beak when a Fox observed her and set his wits to work to
discover some way of getting the cheese. Coming and standing under
the tree he looked up and said, "What a noble bird I see above me!
Her beauty is without equal, the hue of her plumage exquisite. If
only her voice is as sweet as her looks are fair, she ought without
doubt to be Queen of the Birds." The Crow was hugely flattered by
this, and just to show the Fox that she could sing she gave a loud
caw. Down came the cheese, of course, and the Fox, snatching it up,
said, "You have a voice, madam, I see: what you want is wits."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HORSE_AND_THE_GROOM"></a>
<h2>THE HORSE AND THE GROOM</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a Groom who used to spend long hours clipping and
combing the Horse of which he had charge, but who daily stole a
portion of his allowance of oats, and sold it for his own profit.
The Horse gradually got into worse and worse condition, and at last
cried to the Groom, "If you really want me to look sleek and well,
you must comb me less and feed me more."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_LAMB"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE LAMB</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf came upon a Lamb straying from the flock, and felt some
compunction about taking the life of so helpless a creature without
some plausible excuse; so he cast about for a grievance and said at
last, "Last year, sirrah, you grossly insulted me." "That is
impossible, sir," bleated the Lamb, "for I wasn't born then."
"Well," retorted the Wolf, "you feed in my pastures." "That cannot
be," replied the Lamb, "for I have never yet tasted grass." "You
drink from my spring, then," continued the Wolf. "Indeed, sir,"
said the poor Lamb, "I have never yet drunk anything but my
mother's milk." "Well, anyhow," said the Wolf, "I'm not going
without my dinner": and he sprang upon the Lamb and devoured it
without more ado.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PEACOCK_AND_THE_CRANE"></a>
<h2>THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Peacock taunted a Crane with the dullness of her plumage.
"Look at my brilliant colours," said she, "and see how much finer
they are than your poor feathers." "I am not denying," replied the
Crane, "that yours are far gayer than mine; but when it comes to
flying I can soar into the clouds, whereas you are confined to the
earth like any dunghill cock."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CAT_AND_THE_BIRDS"></a>
<h2>THE CAT AND THE BIRDS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got
himself up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the
instruments proper to his profession, presented himself at the
door, and inquired after the health of the Birds. "We shall do very
well," they replied, without letting him in, "when we've seen the
last of you."</p>
<p class="adage">A villain may disguise himself, but he will not
deceive the wise.</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/040.jpg"
name="040"><img src="images/040.jpg" alt=
"THE CAT AND THE BIRDS"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SPENDTHRIFT_AND_THE_SWALLOW"></a>
<h2>THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Spendthrift, who had wasted his fortune, and had nothing left
but the clothes in which he stood, saw a Swallow one fine day in
early spring. Thinking that summer had come, and that he could now
do without his coat, he went and sold it for what it would fetch. A
change, however, took place in the weather, and there came a sharp
frost which killed the unfortunate Swallow. When the Spendthrift
saw its dead body he cried, "Miserable bird! Thanks to you I am
perishing of cold myself."</p>
<p class="adage">One swallow does not make summer.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_THE_DOCTOR"></a>
<h2>THE OLD WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>An Old Woman became almost totally blind from a disease of the
eyes, and, after consulting a Doctor, made an agreement with him in
the presence of witnesses that she should pay him a high fee if he
cured her, while if he failed he was to receive nothing. The Doctor
accordingly prescribed a course of treatment, and every time he
paid her a visit he took away with him some article out of the
house, until at last, when he visited her for the last time, and
the cure was complete, there was nothing left. When the Old Woman
saw that the house was empty she refused to pay him his fee; and,
after repeated refusals on her part, he sued her before the
magistrates for payment of her debt. On being brought into court
she was ready with her defence. "The claimant," said she, "has
stated the facts about our agreement correctly. I undertook to pay
him a fee if he cured me, and he, on his part, promised to charge
nothing if he failed. Now, he says I am cured; but I say that I am
blinder than ever, and I can prove what I say. When my eyes were
bad I could at any rate see well enough to be aware that my house
contained a certain amount of furniture and other things; but now,
when according to him I am cured, I am entirely unable to see
anything there at all."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/02moon.jpg" name=
"02moon"><img src="images/02-tmoon.jpg" alt=
"THE MOON AND HER MOTHER"></a></div>
<a name="THE_MOON_AND_HER_MOTHER"></a>
<h2>THE MOON AND HER MOTHER</h2>
<br>
<p>The Moon once begged her Mother to make her a gown. "How can I?"
replied she; "there's no fitting your figure. At one time you're a
New Moon, and at another you're a Full Moon; and between whiles
you're neither one nor the other."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="MERCURY_AND_THE_WOODMAN"></a>
<h2>MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Woodman was felling a tree on the bank of a river, when his
axe, glancing off the trunk, flew out of his hands and fell into
the water. As he stood by the water's edge lamenting his loss,
Mercury appeared and asked him the reason for his grief; and on
learning what had happened, out of pity for his distress he dived
into the river and, bringing up a golden axe, asked him if that was
the one he had lost. The Woodman replied that it was not, and
Mercury then dived a second time, and, bringing up a silver axe,
asked if that was his. "No, that is not mine either," said the
Woodman. Once more Mercury dived into the river, and brought up the
missing axe. The Woodman was overjoyed at recovering his property,
and thanked his benefactor warmly; and the latter was so pleased
with his honesty that he made him a present of the other two axes.
When the Woodman told the story to his companions, one of these was
filled with envy of his good fortune and determined to try his luck
for himself. So he went and began to fell a tree at the edge of the
river, and presently contrived to let his axe drop into the water.
Mercury appeared as before, and, on learning that his axe had
fallen in, he dived and brought up a golden axe, as he had done on
the previous occasion. Without waiting to be asked whether it was
his or not the fellow cried, "That's mine, that's mine," and
stretched out his hand eagerly for the prize: but Mercury was so
disgusted at his dishonesty that he not only declined to give him
the golden axe, but also refused to recover for him the one he had
let fall into the stream.</p>
<p class="adage">Honesty is the best policy.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>An Ass and a Fox went into partnership and sallied out to forage
for food together. They hadn't gone far before they saw a Lion
coming their way, at which they were both dreadfully frightened.
But the Fox thought he saw a way of saving his own skin, and went
boldly up to the Lion and whispered in his ear, "I'll manage that
you shall get hold of the Ass without the trouble of stalking him,
if you'll promise to let me go free." The Lion agreed to this, and
the Fox then rejoined his companion and contrived before long to
lead him by a hidden pit, which some hunter had dug as a trap for
wild animals, and into which he fell. When the Lion saw that the
Ass was safely caught and couldn't get away, it was to the Fox that
he first turned his attention, and he soon finished him off, and
then at his leisure proceeded to feast upon the Ass.</p>
<p class="adage">Betray a friend, and you'll often find you have
ruined yourself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_MOUSE"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE MOUSE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion asleep in his lair was waked up by a Mouse running over
his face. Losing his temper he seized it with his paw and was about
to kill it. The Mouse, terrified, piteously entreated him to spare
its life. "Please let me go," it cried, "and one day I will repay
you for your kindness." The idea of so insignificant a creature
ever being able to do anything for him amused the Lion so much that
he laughed aloud, and good-humouredly let it go. But the Mouse's
chance came, after all. One day the Lion got entangled in a net
which had been spread for game by some hunters, and the Mouse heard
and recognised his roars of anger and ran to the spot. Without more
ado it set to work to gnaw the ropes with its teeth, and succeeded
before long in setting the Lion free. "There!" said the Mouse, "you
laughed at me when I promised I would repay you: but now you see,
even a Mouse can help a Lion."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/046.jpg"
name="046"><img src="images/046.jpg" alt=
"THE CROW AND THE PITCHER"></a></div>
<a name="THE_CROW_AND_THE_PITCHER"></a>
<h2>THE CROW AND THE PITCHER</h2>
<br>
<p>A thirsty Crow found a Pitcher with some water in it, but so
little was there that, try as she might, she could not reach it
with her beak, and it seemed as though she would die of thirst
within sight of the remedy. At last she hit upon a clever plan. She
began dropping pebbles into the Pitcher, and with each pebble the
water rose a little higher until at last it reached the brim, and
the knowing bird was enabled to quench her thirst.</p>
<p class="adage">Necessity is the mother of invention.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOYS_AND_THE_FROGS"></a>
<h2>THE BOYS AND THE FROGS</h2>
<br>
<p>Some mischievous Boys were playing on the edge of a pond, and,
catching sight of some Frogs swimming about in the shallow water,
they began to amuse themselves by pelting them with stones, and
they killed several of them. At last one of the Frogs put his head
out of the water and said, "Oh, stop! stop! I beg of you: what is
sport to you is death to us."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_NORTH_WIND_AND_THE_SUN"></a>
<h2>THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN</h2>
<br>
<p>A dispute arose between the North Wind and the Sun, each
claiming that he was stronger than the other. At last they agreed
to try their powers upon a traveller, to see which could soonest
strip him of his cloak. The North Wind had the first try; and,
gathering up all his force for the attack, he came whirling
furiously down upon the man, and caught up his cloak as though he
would wrest it from him by one single effort: but the harder he
blew, the more closely the man wrapped it round himself. Then came
the turn of the Sun. At first he beamed gently upon the traveller,
who soon unclasped his cloak and walked on with it hanging loosely
about his shoulders: then he shone forth in his full strength, and
the man, before he had gone many steps, was glad to throw his cloak
right off and complete his journey more lightly clad.</p>
<p class="adage">Persuasion is better than force</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/048.jpg"
name="048"><img src="images/048t.jpg" alt=
"THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MISTRESS_AND_HER_SERVANTS"></a>
<h2>THE MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Widow, thrifty and industrious, had two servants, whom she
kept pretty hard at work. They were not allowed to lie long abed in
the mornings, but the old lady had them up and doing as soon as the
cock crew. They disliked intensely having to get up at such an
hour, especially in winter-time: and they thought that if it were
not for the cock waking up their Mistress so horribly early, they
could sleep longer. So they caught it and wrung its neck. But they
weren't prepared for the consequences. For what happened was that
their Mistress, not hearing the cock crow as usual, waked them up
earlier than ever, and set them to work in the middle of the
night.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GOODS_AND_THE_ILLS"></a>
<h2>THE GOODS AND THE ILLS</h2>
<br>
<p>There was a time in the youth of the world when Goods and Ills
entered equally into the concerns of men, so that the Goods did not
prevail to make them altogether blessed, nor the Ills to make them
wholly miserable. But owing to the foolishness of mankind the Ills
multiplied greatly in number and increased in strength, until it
seemed as though they would deprive the Goods of all share in human
affairs, and banish them from the earth. The latter, therefore,
betook themselves to heaven and complained to Jupiter of the
treatment they had received, at the same time praying him to grant
them protection from the Ills, and to advise them concerning the
manner of their intercourse with men. Jupiter granted their request
for protection, and decreed that for the future they should not go
among men openly in a body, and so be liable to attack from the
hostile Ills, but singly and unobserved, and at infrequent and
unexpected intervals. Hence it is that the earth is full of Ills,
for they come and go as they please and are never far away; while
Goods, alas! come one by one only, and have to travel all the way
from heaven, so that they are very seldom seen.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HARES_AND_THE_FROGS"></a>
<h2>THE HARES AND THE FROGS</h2>
<br>
<p>The Hares once gathered together and lamented the unhappiness of
their lot, exposed as they were to dangers on all sides and lacking
the strength and the courage to hold their own. Men, dogs, birds
and beasts of prey were all their enemies, and killed and devoured
them daily: and sooner than endure such persecution any longer,
they one and all determined to end their miserable lives. Thus
resolved and desperate, they rushed in a body towards a
neighbouring pool, intending to drown themselves. On the bank were
sitting a number of Frogs, who, when they heard the noise of the
Hares as they ran, with one accord leaped into the water and hid
themselves in the depths. Then one of the older Hares who was wiser
than the rest cried out to his companions, "Stop, my friends, take
heart; don't let us destroy ourselves after all: see, here are
creatures who are afraid of us, and who must, therefore, be still
more timid than ourselves."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/052-1.jpg"><img src="images/052-1.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX AND THE STORK"></a></div>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_STORK"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE STORK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox invited a Stork to dinner, at which the only fare provided
was a large flat dish of soup. The Fox lapped it up with great
relish, but the Stork with her long bill tried in vain to partake
of the savoury broth. Her evident distress caused the sly Fox much
amusement. But not long after the Stork invited him in turn, and
set before him a pitcher with a long and narrow neck, into which
she could get her bill with ease. Thus, while she enjoyed her
dinner, the Fox sat by hungry and helpless, for it was impossible
for him to reach the tempting contents of the vessel.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/052-2.jpg" name="052-2"><img src="images/052-2.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX AND THE STORK"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_IN_SHEEP'S_CLOTHING"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf resolved to disguise himself in order that he might prey
upon a flock of sheep without fear of detection. So he clothed
himself in a sheepskin, and slipped among the sheep when they were
out at pasture. He completely deceived the shepherd, and when the
flock was penned for the night he was shut in with the rest. But
that very night as it happened, the shepherd, requiring a supply of
mutton for the table, laid hands on the Wolf in mistake for a
Sheep, and killed him with his knife on the spot.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_STAG_IN_THE_OX-STALL"></a>
<h2>THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL</h2>
<br>
<p>A Stag, chased from his lair by the hounds, took refuge in a
farmyard, and, entering a stable where a number of oxen were
stalled, thrust himself under a pile of hay in a vacant stall,
where he lay concealed, all but the tips of his horns. Presently
one of the Oxen said to him, "What has induced you to come in here?
Aren't you aware of the risk you are running of being captured by
the herdsmen?" To which he replied, "Pray let me stay for the
present. When night comes I shall easily escape under cover of the
dark." In the course of the afternoon more than one of the
farm-hands came in, to attend to the wants of the cattle, but not
one of them noticed the presence of the Stag, who accordingly began
to congratulate himself on his escape and to express his gratitude
to the Oxen. "We wish you well," said the one who had spoken
before, "but you are not out of danger yet. If the master comes,
you will certainly be found out, for nothing ever escapes his keen
eyes." Presently, sure enough, in he came, and made a great to-do
about the way the Oxen were kept. "The beasts are starving," he
cried; "here, give them more hay, and put plenty of litter under
them." As he spoke, he seized an armful himself from the pile where
the Stag lay concealed, and at once detected him. Calling his men,
he had him seized at once and killed for the table.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MILKMAID_AND_HER_PAIL"></a>
<h2>THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL</h2>
<br>
<p>A farmer's daughter had been out to milk the cows, and was
returning to the dairy carrying her pail of milk upon her head. As
she walked along, she fell a-musing after this fashion: "The milk
in this pail will provide me with cream, which I will make into
butter and take to market to sell. With the money I will buy a
number of eggs, and these, when hatched, will produce chickens, and
by and by I shall have quite a large poultry-yard. Then I shall
sell some of my fowls, and with the money which they will bring in
I will buy myself a new gown, which I shall wear when I go to the
fair; and all the young fellows will admire it, and come and make
love to me, but I shall toss my head and have nothing to say to
them." Forgetting all about the pail, and suiting the action to the
word, she tossed her head. Down went the pail, all the milk was
spilled, and all her fine castles in the air vanished in a
moment!</p>
<p class="adage">Do not count your chickens before they are
hatched.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOLPHINS,_THE_WHALES,_AND_THE_SPRAT"></a>
<h2>THE DOLPHINS, THE WHALES, AND THE SPRAT</h2>
<br>
<p>The Dolphins quarrelled with the Whales, and before very long
they began fighting with one another. The battle was very fierce,
and had lasted some time without any sign of coming to an end, when
a Sprat thought that perhaps he could stop it; so he stepped in and
tried to persuade them to give up fighting and make friends. But
one of the Dolphins said to him contemptuously, "We would rather go
on fighting till we're all killed than be reconciled by a Sprat
like you!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_MONKEY"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE MONKEY</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox and a Monkey were on the road together, and fell into a
dispute as to which of the two was the better born. They kept it up
for some time, till they came to a place where the road passed
through a cemetery full of monuments, when the Monkey stopped and
looked about him and gave a great sigh. "Why do you sigh?" said the
Fox. The Monkey pointed to the tombs and replied, "All the
monuments that you see here were put up in honour of my
forefathers, who in their day were eminent men." The Fox was
speechless for a moment, but quickly recovering he said, "Oh! don't
stop at any lie, sir; you're quite safe: I'm sure none of your
ancestors will rise up and expose you."</p>
<p class="adage">Boasters brag most when they cannot be
detected.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_THE_LAP-DOG"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a man who had an Ass and a Lap-dog. The Ass was
housed in the stable with plenty of oats and hay to eat and was as
well off as an ass could be. The little Dog was made a great pet of
by his master, who fondled him and often let him lie in his lap;
and if he went out to dinner, he would bring back a tit-bit or two
to give him when he ran to meet him on his return. The Ass had, it
is true, a good deal of work to do, carting or grinding the corn,
or carrying the burdens of the farm: and ere long he became very
jealous, contrasting his own life of labour with the ease and
idleness of the Lap-dog. At last one day he broke his halter, and
frisking into the house just as his master sat down to dinner, he
pranced and capered about, mimicking the frolics of the little
favourite, upsetting the table and smashing the crockery with his
clumsy efforts. Not content with that, he even tried to jump on his
master's lap, as he had so often seen the dog allowed to do. At
that the servants, seeing the danger their master was in,
belaboured the silly Ass with sticks and cudgels, and drove him
back to his stable half dead with his beating. "Alas!" he cried,
"all this I have brought on myself. Why could I not be satisfied
with my natural and honourable position, without wishing to imitate
the ridiculous antics of that useless little Lap-dog?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/03fir.jpg" name=
"03fir"><img src="images/03-tfir.jpg" alt=
"THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE"></a></div>
<a name="THE_FIR-TREE_AND_THE_BRAMBLE"></a>
<h2>THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat
contemptuously, "You poor creature, you are of no use whatever.
Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly
when men build houses; they can't do without me then." But the
Bramble replied, "Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they
come with axes and saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you
were a Bramble and not a Fir."</p>
<p class="adage">Better poverty without a care than wealth with its
many obligations.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FROGS'_COMPLAINT_AGAINST_THE_SUN"></a>
<h2>THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time the Sun was about to take to himself a wife.
The Frogs in terror all raised their voices to the skies, and
Jupiter, disturbed by the noise, asked them what they were croaking
about. They replied, "The Sun is bad enough even while he is
single, drying up our marshes with his heat as he does. But what
will become of us if he marries and begets other Suns?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG,_THE_COCK,_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Dog and a Cock became great friends, and agreed to travel
together. At nightfall the Cock flew up into the branches of a tree
to roost, while the Dog curled himself up inside the trunk, which
was hollow. At break of day the Cock woke up and crew, as usual. A
Fox heard, and, wishing to make a breakfast of him, came and stood
under the tree and begged him to come down. "I should so like,"
said he, "to make the acquaintance of one who has such a beautiful
voice." The Cock replied, "Would you just wake my porter who sleeps
at the foot of the tree? He'll open the door and let you in." The
Fox accordingly rapped on the trunk, when out rushed the Dog and
tore him in pieces.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GNAT_AND_THE_BULL"></a>
<h2>THE GNAT AND THE BULL</h2>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/059.jpg" name="059"><img src=
"images/059.jpg" alt="THE GNAT AND THE BULL"></a></div>
<p>A Gnat alighted on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained
sitting there for a considerable time. When it had rested
sufficiently and was about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do
you mind if I go now?" The Bull merely raised his eyes and
remarked, without interest, "It's all one to me; I didn't notice
when you came, and I shan't know when you go away."</p>
<p class="adage">We may often be of more consequence in our own
eyes than in the eyes of our neighbours.</p>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BEAR_AND_THE_TRAVELLERS"></a>
<h2>THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS</h2>
<br>
<p>Two Travellers were on the road together, when a Bear suddenly
appeared on the scene. Before he observed them, one made for a tree
at the side of the road, and climbed up into the branches and hid
there. The other was not so nimble as his companion; and, as he
could not escape, he threw himself on the ground and pretended to
be dead. The Bear came up and sniffed all round him, but he kept
perfectly still and held his breath: for they say that a bear will
not touch a dead body. The Bear took him for a corpse, and went
away. When the coast was clear, the Traveller in the tree came
down, and asked the other what it was the Bear had whispered to him
when he put his mouth to his ear. The other replied, "He told me
never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first
sign of danger."</p>
<p class="adage">Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SLAVE_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE SLAVE AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Slave ran away from his master, by whom he had been most
cruelly treated, and, in order to avoid capture, betook himself
into the desert. As he wandered about in search of food and
shelter, he came to a cave, which he entered and found to be
unoccupied. Really, however, it was a Lion's den, and almost
immediately, to the horror of the wretched fugitive, the Lion
himself appeared. The man gave himself up for lost: but, to his
utter astonishment, the Lion, instead of springing upon him and
devouring him, came and fawned upon him, at the same time whining
and lifting up his paw. Observing it to be much swollen and
inflamed, he examined it and found a large thorn embedded in the
ball of the foot. He accordingly removed it and dressed the wound
as well as he could: and in course of time it healed up completely.
The Lion's gratitude was unbounded; he looked upon the man as his
friend, and they shared the cave for some time together. A day
came, however, when the Slave began to long for the society of his
fellow-men, and he bade farewell to the Lion and returned to the
town. Here he was presently recognised and carried off in chains to
his former master, who resolved to make an example of him, and
ordered that he should be thrown to the beasts at the next public
spectacle in the theatre. On the fatal day the beasts were loosed
into the arena, and among the rest a Lion of huge bulk and
ferocious aspect; and then the wretched Slave was cast in among
them. What was the amazement of the spectators, when the Lion after
one glance bounded up to him and lay down at his feet with every
expression of affection and delight! It was his old friend of the
cave! The audience clamoured that the Slave's life should be
spared: and the governor of the town, marvelling at such gratitude
and fidelity in a beast, decreed that both should receive their
liberty.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FLEA_AND_THE_MAN"></a>
<h2>THE FLEA AND THE MAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Flea bit a Man, and bit him again, and again, till he could
stand it no longer, but made a thorough search for it, and at last
succeeded in catching it. Holding it between his finger and thumb,
he said&mdash;or rather shouted, so angry was he&mdash;"Who are
you, pray, you wretched little creature, that you make so free with
my person?" The Flea, terrified, whimpered in a weak little voice,
"Oh, sir! pray let me go; don't kill me! I am such a little thing
that I can't do you much harm." But the Man laughed and said, "I am
going to kill you now, at once: whatever is bad has got to be
destroyed, no matter how slight the harm it does."</p>
<p class="adage">Do not waste your pity on a scamp.</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/062.jpg"
name="062"><img src="images/062t.jpg" alt=
"THE FLEA AND THE MAN"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BEE_AND_JUPITER"></a>
<h2>THE BEE AND JUPITER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Queen Bee from Hymettus flew up to Olympus with some fresh
honey from the hive as a present to Jupiter, who was so pleased
with the gift that he promised to give her anything she liked to
ask for. She said she would be very grateful if he would give
stings to the bees, to kill people who robbed them of their honey.
Jupiter was greatly displeased with this request, for he loved
mankind: but he had given his word, so he said that stings they
should have. The stings he gave them, however, were of such a kind
that whenever a bee stings a man the sting is left in the wound and
the bee dies.</p>
<p class="adage">Evil wishes, like fowls, come home to roost.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/066.jpg" name="066"><img src=
"images/066t.jpg" alt="THE OAK AND THE REEDS"></a></div>
<a name="THE_OAK_AND_THE_REEDS"></a>
<h2>THE OAK AND THE REEDS</h2>
<br>
<p>An Oak that grew on the bank of a river was uprooted by a severe
gale of wind, and thrown across the stream. It fell among some
Reeds growing by the water, and said to them, "How is it that you,
who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the storm,
whereas I, with all my strength, have been torn up by the roots and
hurled into the river?" "You were stubborn," came the reply, "and
fought against the storm, which proved stronger than you: but we
bow and yield to every breeze, and thus the gale passed harmlessly
over our heads."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BLIND_MAN_AND_THE_CUB"></a>
<h2>THE BLIND MAN AND THE CUB</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a Blind Man who had so fine a sense of touch
that, when any animal was put into his hands, he could tell what it
was merely by the feel of it. One day the Cub of a Wolf was put
into his hands, and he was asked what it was. He felt it for some
time, and then said, "Indeed, I am not sure whether it is a Wolf's
Cub or a Fox's: but this I know&mdash;it would never do to trust it
in a sheepfold."</p>
<p class="adage">Evil tendencies are early shown.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOY_AND_THE_SNAILS"></a>
<h2>THE BOY AND THE SNAILS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer's Boy went looking for Snails, and, when he had picked
up both his hands full, he set about making a fire at which to
roast them; for he meant to eat them. When it got well alight and
the Snails began to feel the heat, they gradually withdrew more and
more into their shells with the hissing noise they always make when
they do so. When the Boy heard it, he said, "You abandoned
creatures, how can you find heart to whistle when your houses are
burning?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_APES_AND_THE_TWO_TRAVELLERS"></a>
<h2>THE APES AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS</h2>
<br>
<p>Two men were travelling together, one of whom never spoke the
truth, whereas the other never told a lie: and they came in the
course of their travels to the land of Apes. The King of the Apes,
hearing of their arrival, ordered them to be brought before him;
and by way of impressing them with his magnificence, he received
them sitting on a throne, while the Apes, his subjects, were ranged
in long rows on either side of him. When the Travellers came into
his presence he asked them what they thought of him as a King. The
lying Traveller said, "Sire, every one must see that you are a most
noble and mighty monarch." "And what do you think of my subjects?"
continued the King. "They," said the Traveller, "are in every way
worthy of their royal master." The Ape was so delighted with his
answer that he gave him a very handsome present. The other
Traveller thought that if his companion was rewarded so splendidly
for telling a lie, he himself would certainly receive a still
greater reward for telling the truth; so, when the Ape turned to
him and said, "And what, sir, is your opinion?" he replied, "I
think you are a very fine Ape, and all your subjects are fine Apes
too." The King of the Apes was so enraged at his reply that he
ordered him to be taken away and clawed to death.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_HIS_BURDENS"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND HIS BURDENS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Pedlar who owned an Ass one day bought a quantity of salt, and
loaded up his beast with as much as he could bear. On the way home
the Ass stumbled as he was crossing a stream and fell into the
water. The salt got thoroughly wetted and much of it melted and
drained away, so that, when he got on his legs again, the Ass found
his load had become much less heavy. His master, however, drove him
back to town and bought more salt, which he added to what remained
in the panniers, and started out again. No sooner had they reached
a stream than the Ass lay down in it, and rose, as before, with a
much lighter load. But his master detected the trick, and turning
back once more, bought a large number of sponges, and piled them on
the back of the Ass. When they came to the stream the Ass again lay
down: but this time, as the sponges soaked up large quantities of
water, he found, when he got up on his legs, that he had a bigger
burden to carry than ever.</p>
<p class="adage">You may play a good card once too often.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SHEPHERD'S_BOY_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Shepherd's Boy was tending his flock near a village, and
thought it would be great fun to hoax the villagers by pretending
that a Wolf was attacking the sheep: so he shouted out, "Wolf!
wolf!" and when the people came running up he laughed at them for
their pains. He did this more than once, and every time the
villagers found they had been hoaxed, for there was no Wolf at all.
At last a Wolf really did come, and the Boy cried, "Wolf! wolf!" as
loud as he could: but the people were so used to hearing him call
that they took no notice of his cries for help. And so the Wolf had
it all his own way, and killed off sheep after sheep at his
leisure.</p>
<p class="adage">You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the
truth.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_GOAT"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE GOAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox fell into a well and was unable to get out again. By and
by a thirsty Goat came by, and seeing the Fox in the well asked him
if the water was good. "Good?" said the Fox, "it's the best water I
ever tasted in all my life. Come down and try it yourself." The
Goat thought of nothing but the prospect of quenching his thirst,
and jumped in at once. When he had had enough to drink, he looked
about, like the Fox, for some way of getting out, but could find
none. Presently the Fox said, "I have an idea. You stand on your
hind legs, and plant your forelegs firmly against the side of the
well, and then I'll climb on to your back, and, from there, by
stepping on your horns, I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help
you out too." The Goat did as he was requested, and the Fox climbed
on to his back and so out of the well; and then he coolly walked
away. The Goat called loudly after him and reminded him of his
promise to help him out: but the Fox merely turned and said, "If
you had as much sense in your head as you have hair in your beard
you wouldn't have got into the well without making certain that you
could get out again."</p>
<p class="adage">Look before your leap.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FISHERMAN_AND_THE_SPRAT"></a>
<h2>THE FISHERMAN AND THE SPRAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fisherman cast his net into the sea, and when he drew it up
again it contained nothing but a single Sprat that begged to be put
back into the water. "I'm only a little fish now," it said, "but I
shall grow big one day, and then if you come and catch me again I
shall be of some use to you." But the Fisherman replied, "Oh, no, I
shall keep you now I've got you: if I put you back, should I ever
see you again? Not likely!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOASTING_TRAVELLER"></a>
<h2>THE BOASTING TRAVELLER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home he
had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign
countries. Among other things, he said he had taken part in a
jumping-match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no one
could beat. "Just go to Rhodes and ask them," he said; "every one
will tell you it's true." But one of those who were listening said,
"If you can jump as well as all that, we needn't go to Rhodes to
prove it. Let's just imagine this is Rhodes for a minute: and
now&mdash;jump!"</p>
<p class="adage">Deeds, not words.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CRAB_AND_HIS_MOTHER"></a>
<h2>THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER</h2>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/04crab.jpg" name="04crab"><img src="images/04-tcrab.jpg"
alt="THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER"></a></div>
<p>An Old Crab said to her son, "Why do you walk sideways like
that, my son? You ought to walk straight." The Young Crab replied,
"Show me how, dear mother, and I'll follow your example." The Old
Crab tried, but tried in vain, and then saw how foolish she had
been to find fault with her child.</p>
<p class="adage">Example is better than precept.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_HIS_SHADOW"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND HIS SHADOW</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man hired an Ass for a journey in summertime, and
started out with the owner following behind to drive the beast. By
and by, in the heat of the day, they stopped to rest, and the
traveller wanted to lie down in the Ass's Shadow; but the owner,
who himself wished to be out of the sun, wouldn't let him do that;
for he said he had hired the Ass only, and not his Shadow: the
other maintained that his bargain secured him complete control of
the Ass for the time being. From words they came to blows; and
while they were belabouring each other the Ass took to his heels
and was soon out of sight.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_HIS_SONS"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND HIS SONS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer, being at death's door, and desiring to impart to his
Sons a secret of much moment, called them round him and said, "My
sons, I am shortly about to die; I would have you know, therefore,
that in my vineyard there lies a hidden treasure. Dig, and you will
find it." As soon as their father was dead, the Sons took spade and
fork and turned up the soil of the vineyard over and over again, in
their search for the treasure which they supposed to lie buried
there. They found none, however: but the vines, after so thorough a
digging, produced a crop such as had never before been seen.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG_AND_THE_COOK"></a>
<h2>THE DOG AND THE COOK</h2>
<br>
<p>A rich man once invited a number of his friends and
acquaintances to a banquet. His dog thought it would be a good
opportunity to invite another Dog, a friend of his; so he went to
him and said, "My master is giving a feast: there'll be a fine
spread, so come and dine with me to-night." The Dog thus invited
came, and when he saw the preparations being made in the kitchen he
said to himself, "My word, I'm in luck: I'll take care to eat
enough to-night to last me two or three days." At the same time he
wagged his tail briskly, by way of showing his friend how delighted
he was to have been asked. But just then the Cook caught sight of
him, and, in his annoyance at seeing a strange Dog in the kitchen,
caught him up by the hind legs and threw him out of the window. He
had a nasty fall, and limped away as quickly as he could, howling
dismally. Presently some other dogs met him, and said, "Well, what
sort of a dinner did you get?" To which he replied, "I had a
splendid time: the wine was so good, and I drank so much of it,
that I really don't remember how I got out of the house!"</p>
<p class="adage">Be shy of favours bestowed at the expense of
others.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MONKEY_AS_KING"></a>
<h2>THE MONKEY AS KING</h2>
<br>
<p>At a gathering of all the animals the Monkey danced and
delighted them so much that they made him their King. The Fox,
however, was very much disgusted at the promotion of the Monkey: so
having one day found a trap with a piece of meat in it, he took the
Monkey there and said to him, "Here is a dainty morsel I have
found, sire; I did not take it myself, because I thought it ought
to be reserved for you, our King. Will you be pleased to accept
it?" The Monkey made at once for the meat and got caught in the
trap. Then he bitterly reproached the Fox for leading him into
danger; but the Fox only laughed and said, "O Monkey, you call
yourself King of the Beasts and haven't more sense than to be taken
in like that!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_THIEVES_AND_THE_COCK"></a>
<h2>THE THIEVES AND THE COCK</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/076.jpg"
name="076"><img src="images/076.jpg" alt=
"THE THIEVES AND THE COCK"></a></div>
<p>Some Thieves broke into a house, and found nothing worth taking
except a Cock, which they seized and carried off with them. When
they were preparing their supper, one of them caught up the Cock,
and was about to wring his neck, when he cried out for mercy and
said, "Pray do not kill me: you will find me a most useful bird,
for I rouse honest men to their work in the morning by my crowing."
But the Thief replied with some heat, "Yes, I know you do, making
it still harder for us to get a livelihood. Into the pot you
go!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_FORTUNE"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND FORTUNE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer was ploughing one day on his farm when he turned up a
pot of golden coins with his plough. He was overjoyed at his
discovery, and from that time forth made an offering daily at the
shrine of the Goddess of the Earth. Fortune was displeased at this,
and came to him and said, "My man, why do you give Earth the credit
for the gift which I bestowed upon you? You never thought of
thanking me for your good luck; but should you be unlucky enough to
lose what you have gained I know very well that I, Fortune, should
then come in for all the blame."</p>
<p class="adage">Show gratitude where gratitude is due.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="JUPITER_AND_THE_MONKEY"></a>
<h2>JUPITER AND THE MONKEY</h2>
<br>
<p>Jupiter issued a proclamation to all the beasts, and offered a
prize to the one who, in his judgment, produced the most beautiful
offspring. Among the rest came the Monkey, carrying a baby monkey
in her arms, a hairless, flat-nosed little fright. When they saw
it, the gods all burst into peal on peal of laughter; but the
Monkey hugged her little one to her, and said, "Jupiter may give
the prize to whomsoever he likes: but I shall always think my baby
the most beautiful of them all."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="FATHER_AND_SONS"></a>
<h2>FATHER AND SONS</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man had several Sons who were always quarrelling with
one another, and, try as he might, he could not get them to live
together in harmony. So he determined to convince them of their
folly by the following means. Bidding them fetch a bundle of
sticks, he invited each in turn to break it across his knee. All
tried and all failed: and then he undid the bundle, and handed them
the sticks one by one, when they had no difficulty at all in
breaking them. "There, my boys," said he, "united you will be more
than a match for your enemies: but if you quarrel and separate,
your weakness will put you at the mercy of those who attack
you."</p>
<p class="adage">Union is strength.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LAMP"></a>
<h2>THE LAMP</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lamp, well filled with oil, burned with a clear and steady
light, and began to swell with pride and boast that it shone more
brightly than the sun himself. Just then a puff of wind came and
blew it out. Some one struck a match and lit it again, and said,
"You just keep alight, and never mind the sun. Why, even the stars
never need to be relit as you had to be just now."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OWL_AND_THE_BIRDS"></a>
<h2>THE OWL AND THE BIRDS</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/080.jpg" name="080"><img src=
"images/080t.jpg" alt="THE OWL AND THE BIRDS"></a></div>
<p>The Owl is a very wise bird; and once, long ago, when the first
oak sprouted in the forest, she called all the other Birds together
and said to them, "You see this tiny tree? If you take my advice,
you will destroy it now when it is small: for when it grows big,
the mistletoe will appear upon it, from which birdlime will be
prepared for your destruction." Again, when the first flax was
sown, she said to them, "Go and eat up that seed, for it is the
seed of the flax, out of which men will one day make nets to catch
you." Once more, when she saw the first archer, she warned the
Birds that he was their deadly enemy, who would wing his arrows
with their own feathers and shoot them. But they took no notice of
what she said: in fact, they thought she was rather mad, and
laughed at her. When, however, everything turned out as she had
foretold, they changed their minds and conceived a great respect
for her wisdom. Hence, whenever she appears, the Birds attend upon
her in the hope of hearing something that may be for their good.
She, however, gives them advice no longer, but sits moping and
pondering on the folly of her kind.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_IN_THE_LION'S_SKIN"></a>
<h2>THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/082.jpg"
name="082"><img src="images/082t.jpg" alt=
"THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN"></a></div>
<br>
<p>An Ass found a Lion's Skin, and dressed himself up in it. Then
he went about frightening every one he met, for they all took him
to be a lion, men and beasts alike, and took to their heels when
they saw him coming. Elated by the success of his trick, he loudly
brayed in triumph. The Fox heard him, and recognised him at once
for the Ass he was, and said to him, "Oho, my friend, it's you, is
it? I, too, should have been afraid if I hadn't heard your
voice."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SHE-GOATS_AND_THEIR_BEARDS"></a>
<h2>THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS</h2>
<br>
<p>Jupiter granted beards to the She-Goats at their own request,
much to the disgust of the he-Goats, who considered this to be an
unwarrantable invasion of their rights and dignities. So they sent
a deputation to him to protest against his action. He, however,
advised them not to raise any objections. "What's in a tuft of
hair?" said he. "Let them have it if they want it. They can never
be a match for you in strength."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLD_LION"></a>
<h2>THE OLD LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion, enfeebled by age and no longer able to procure food for
himself by force, determined to do so by cunning. Betaking himself
to a cave, he lay down inside and feigned to be sick: and whenever
any of the other animals entered to inquire after his health, he
sprang upon them and devoured them. Many lost their lives in this
way, till one day a Fox called at the cave, and, having a suspicion
of the truth, addressed the Lion from outside instead of going in,
and asked him how he did. He replied that he was in a very bad way:
"But," said he, "why do you stand outside? Pray come in." "I should
have done so," answered the Fox, "if I hadn't noticed that all the
footprints point towards the cave and none the other way."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOY_BATHING"></a>
<h2>THE BOY BATHING</h2>
<br>
<p>A Boy was bathing in a river and got out of his depth, and was
in great danger of being drowned. A man who was passing along a
road heard his cries for help, and went to the riverside and began
to scold him for being so careless as to get into deep water, but
made no attempt to help him. "Oh, sir," cried the Boy, "please help
me first and scold me afterwards."</p>
<p class="adage">Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis.</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/084.jpg"
name="084"><img src="images/084.jpg" alt=
"THE BOY BATHING"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_QUACK_FROG"></a>
<h2>THE QUACK FROG</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/05quack.jpg" name=
"05quack"><img src="images/05-tquack.jpg" alt=
"THE QUACK FROG"></a></div>
<p>Once upon a time a Frog came forth from his home in the marshes
and proclaimed to all the world that he was a learned physician,
skilled in drugs and able to cure all diseases. Among the crowd was
a Fox, who called out, "You a doctor! Why, how can you set up to
heal others when you cannot even cure your own lame legs and
blotched and wrinkled skin?"</p>
<p class="adage">Physician, heal thyself.</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SWOLLEN_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE SWOLLEN FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A hungry Fox found in a hollow tree a quantity of bread and
meat, which some shepherds had placed there against their return.
Delighted with his find he slipped in through the narrow aperture
and greedily devoured it all. But when he tried to get out again he
found himself so swollen after his big meal that he could not
squeeze through the hole, and fell to whining and groaning over his
misfortune. Another Fox, happening to pass that way, came and asked
him what the matter was; and, on learning the state of the case,
said, "Well, my friend, I see nothing for it but for you to stay
where you are till you shrink to your former size; you'll get out
then easily enough."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MOUSE,_THE_FROG,_AND_THE_HAWK"></a>
<h2>THE MOUSE, THE FROG, AND THE HAWK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Mouse and a Frog struck up a friendship; they were not well
mated, for the Mouse lived entirely on land, while the Frog was
equally at home on land or in the water. In order that they might
never be separated, the Frog tied himself and the Mouse together by
the leg with a piece of thread. As long as they kept on dry land
all went fairly well; but, coming to the edge of a pool, the Frog
jumped in, taking the Mouse with him, and began swimming about and
croaking with pleasure. The unhappy Mouse, however, was soon
drowned, and floated about on the surface in the wake of the Frog.
There he was spied by a Hawk, who pounced down on him and seized
him in his talons. The Frog was unable to loose the knot which
bound him to the Mouse, and thus was carried off along with him and
eaten by the Hawk.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOY_AND_THE_NETTLES"></a>
<h2>THE BOY AND THE NETTLES</h2>
<br>
<p>A Boy was gathering berries from a hedge when his hand was stung
by a Nettle. Smarting with the pain, he ran to tell his mother, and
said to her between his sobs, "I only touched it ever so lightly,
mother." "That's just why you got stung, my son," she said; "if you
had grasped it firmly, it wouldn't have hurt you in the least."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PEASANT_AND_THE_APPLE-TREE"></a>
<h2>THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Peasant had an Apple-tree growing in his garden, which bore no
fruit, but merely served to provide a shelter from the heat for the
sparrows and grasshoppers which sat and chirped in its branches.
Disappointed at its barrenness he determined to cut it down, and
went and fetched his axe for the purpose. But when the sparrows and
the grasshoppers saw what he was about to do, they begged him to
spare it, and said to him, "If you destroy the tree we shall have
to seek shelter elsewhere, and you will no longer have our merry
chirping to enliven your work in the garden." He, however, refused
to listen to them, and set to work with a will to cut through the
trunk. A few strokes showed that it was hollow inside and contained
a swarm of bees and a large store of honey. Delighted with his find
he threw down his axe, saying, "The old tree is worth keeping after
all."</p>
<p class="adage">Utility is most men's test of worth.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_JACKDAW_AND_THE_PIGEONS"></a>
<h2>THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Jackdaw, watching some Pigeons in a farmyard, was filled with
envy when he saw how well they were fed, and determined to disguise
himself as one of them, in order to secure a share of the good
things they enjoyed. So he painted himself white from head to foot
and joined the flock; and, so long as he was silent, they never
suspected that he was not a pigeon like themselves. But one day he
was unwise enough to start chattering, when they at once saw
through his disguise and pecked him so unmercifully that he was
glad to escape and join his own kind again. But the other jackdaws
did not recognise him in his white dress, and would not let him
feed with them, but drove him away: and so he became a homeless
wanderer for his pains.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="JUPITER_AND_THE_TORTOISE"></a>
<h2>JUPITER AND THE TORTOISE</h2>
<br>
<p>Jupiter was about to marry a wife, and determined to celebrate
the event by inviting all the animals to a banquet. They all came
except the Tortoise, who did not put in an appearance, much to
Jupiter's surprise. So when he next saw the Tortoise he asked him
why he had not been at the banquet. "I don't care for going out,"
said the Tortoise; "there's no place like home." Jupiter was so
much annoyed by this reply that he decreed that from that time
forth the Tortoise should carry his house upon his back, and never
be able to get away from home even if he wished to.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/089.jpg"
name="089"><img src="images/089.jpg" alt=
"THE DOG IN THE MANGER"></a></div>
<a name="THE_DOG_IN_THE_MANGER"></a>
<h2>THE DOG IN THE MANGER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Dog was lying in a Manger on the hay which had been put there
for the cattle, and when they came and tried to eat, he growled and
snapped at them and wouldn't let them get at their food. "What a
selfish beast," said one of them to his companions; "he can't eat
himself and yet he won't let those eat who can."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TWO_BAGS"></a>
<h2>THE TWO BAGS</h2>
<br>
<p>Every man carries Two Bags about with him, one in front and one
behind, and both are packed full of faults. The Bag in front
contains his neighbours' faults, the one behind his own. Hence it
is that men do not see their own faults, but never fail to see
those of others.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OXEN_AND_THE_AXLETREES"></a>
<h2>THE OXEN AND THE AXLETREES</h2>
<br>
<p>A pair of Oxen were drawing a heavily loaded waggon along the
highway, and, as they tugged and strained at the yoke, the
Axletrees creaked and groaned terribly. This was too much for the
Oxen, who turned round indignantly and said, "Hullo, you there! Why
do you make such a noise when we do all the work?"</p>
<p class="adage">They complain most who suffer least.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BOY_AND_THE_FILBERTS"></a>
<h2>THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Boy put his hand into a jar of Filberts, and grasped as many
as his fist could possibly hold. But when he tried to pull it out
again, he found he couldn't do so, for the neck of the jar was too
small to allow of the passage of so large a handful. Unwilling to
lose his nuts but unable to withdraw his hand, he burst into tears.
A bystander, who saw where the trouble lay, said to him, "Come, my
boy, don't be so greedy: be content with half the amount, and
you'll be able to get your hand out without difficulty."</p>
<p class="adage">Do not attempt too much at once.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FROGS_ASKING_FOR_A_KING"></a>
<h2>THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING</h2>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/092.jpg" name="092"><img src=
"images/092t.jpg" alt="KING LOG"></a>
<h5>KING LOG</h5>
</div>
<p>Time was when the Frogs were discontented because they had no
one to rule over them: so they sent a deputation to Jupiter to ask
him to give them a King. Jupiter, despising the folly of their
request, cast a log into the pool where they lived, and said that
that should be their King. The Frogs were terrified at first by the
splash, and scuttled away into the deepest parts of the pool; but
by and by, when they saw that the log remained motionless, one by
one they ventured to the surface again, and before long, growing
bolder, they began to feel such contempt for it that they even took
to sitting upon it. Thinking that a King of that sort was an insult
to their dignity, they sent to Jupiter a second time, and begged
him to take away the sluggish King he had given them, and to give
them another and a better one. Jupiter, annoyed at being pestered
in this way, sent a Stork to rule over them, who no sooner arrived
among them than he began to catch and eat the Frogs as fast as he
could.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/091.jpg"
name="091"><img src="images/091.jpg" alt=
"THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLIVE-TREE_AND_THE_FIG-TREE"></a>
<h2>THE OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE</h2>
<br>
<p>An Olive-tree taunted a Fig-tree with the loss of her leaves at
a certain season of the year. "You," she said, "lose your leaves
every autumn, and are bare till the spring: whereas I, as you see,
remain green and flourishing all the year round." Soon afterwards
there came a heavy fall of snow, which settled on the leaves of the
Olive so that she bent and broke under the weight; but the flakes
fell harmlessly through the bare branches of the Fig, which
survived to bear many another crop.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_BOAR"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE BOAR</h2>
<br>
<p>One hot and thirsty day in the height of summer a Lion and a
Boar came down to a little spring at the same moment to drink. In a
trice they were quarrelling as to who should drink first. The
quarrel soon became a fight and they attacked one another with the
utmost fury. Presently, stopping for a moment to take breath, they
saw some vultures seated on a rock above evidently waiting for one
of them to be killed, when they would fly down and feed upon the
carcase. The sight sobered them at once, and they made up their
quarrel, saying, "We had much better be friends than fight and be
eaten by vultures."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WALNUT-TREE"></a>
<h2>THE WALNUT-TREE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Walnut-tree, which grew by the roadside, bore every year a
plentiful crop of nuts. Every one who passed by pelted its branches
with sticks and stones, in order to bring down the fruit, and the
tree suffered severely. "It is hard," it cried, "that the very
persons who enjoy my fruit should thus reward me with insults and
blows."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MAN_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE MAN AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man and a Lion were companions on a journey, and in the course
of conversation they began to boast about their prowess, and each
claimed to be superior to the other in strength and courage. They
were still arguing with some heat when they came to a cross-road
where there was a statue of a Man strangling a Lion. "There!" said
the Man triumphantly, "look at that! Doesn't that prove to you that
we are stronger than you?" "Not so fast, my friend," said the Lion:
"that is only your view of the case. If we Lions could make
statues, you may be sure that in most of them you would see the Man
underneath."</p>
<p class="adage">There are two sides to every question.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TORTOISE_AND_THE_EAGLE"></a>
<h2>THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Tortoise, discontented with his lowly life, and envious of the
birds he saw disporting themselves in the air, begged an Eagle to
teach him to fly. The Eagle protested that it was idle for him to
try, as nature had not provided him with wings; but the Tortoise
pressed him with entreaties and promises of treasure, insisting
that it could only be a question of learning the craft of the air.
So at length the Eagle consented to do the best he could for him,
and picked him up in his talons. Soaring with him to a great height
in the sky he then let him go, and the wretched Tortoise fell
headlong and was dashed to pieces on a rock.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_KID_ON_THE_HOUSETOP"></a>
<h2>THE KID ON THE HOUSETOP</h2>
<br>
<p>A Kid climbed up on to the roof of an outhouse, attracted by the
grass and other things that grew in the thatch; and as he stood
there browsing away, he caught sight of a Wolf passing below, and
jeered at him because he couldn't reach him. The Wolf only looked
up and said, "I hear you, my young friend; but it is not you who
mock me, but the roof on which you are standing."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_WITHOUT_A_TAIL"></a>
<h2>THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/097.jpg"
name="097"><img src="images/097.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL"></a></div>
<br>
<p>A fox once fell into a trap, and after a struggle managed to get
free, but with the loss of his brush. He was then so much ashamed
of his appearance that he thought life was not worth living unless
he could persuade the other Foxes to part with their tails also,
and thus divert attention from his own loss. So he called a meeting
of all the Foxes, and advised them to cut off their tails: "They're
ugly things anyhow," he said, "and besides they're heavy, and it's
tiresome to be always carrying them about with you." But one of the
other Foxes said, "My friend, if you hadn't lost your own tail, you
wouldn't be so keen on getting us to cut off ours."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_VAIN_JACKDAW"></a>
<h2>THE VAIN JACKDAW</h2>
<br>
<p>Jupiter announced that he intended to appoint a king over the
birds, and named a day on which they were to appear before his
throne, when he would select the most beautiful of them all to be
their ruler. Wishing to look their best on the occasion they
repaired to the banks of a stream, where they busied themselves in
washing and preening their feathers. The Jackdaw was there along
with the rest, and realised that, with his ugly plumage, he would
have no chance of being chosen as he was: so he waited till they
were all gone, and then picked up the most gaudy of the feathers
they had dropped, and fastened them about his own body, with the
result that he looked gayer than any of them. When the appointed
day came, the birds assembled before Jupiter's throne; and, after
passing them in review, he was about to make the Jackdaw king, when
all the rest set upon the king-elect, stripped him of his borrowed
plumes, and exposed him for the Jackdaw that he was.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TRAVELLER_AND_HIS_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE TRAVELLER AND HIS DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Traveller was about to start on a journey, and said to his
Dog, who was stretching himself by the door, "Come, what are you
yawning for? Hurry up and get ready: I mean you to go with me." But
the Dog merely wagged his tail and said quietly, "I'm ready,
master: it's you I'm waiting for."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SHIPWRECKED_MAN_AND_THE_SEA"></a>
<h2>THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA</h2>
<br>
<p>A Shipwrecked Man cast up on the beach fell asleep after his
struggle with the waves. When he woke up, he bitterly reproached
the Sea for its treachery in enticing men with its smooth and
smiling surface, and then, when they were well embarked, turning in
fury upon them and sending both ship and sailors to destruction.
The Sea arose in the form of a woman, and replied, "Lay not the
blame on me, O sailor, but on the Winds. By nature I am as calm and
safe as the land itself: but the Winds fall upon me with their
gusts and gales, and lash me into a fury that is not natural to
me."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/06ship.jpg" name="06ship"><img src="images/06-tship.jpg"
alt="THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WILD_BOAR_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wild Boar was engaged in whetting his tusks upon the trunk of
a tree in the forest when a Fox came by and, seeing what he was at,
said to him, "Why are you doing that, pray? The huntsmen are not
out to-day, and there are no other dangers at hand that I can see."
"True, my friend," replied the Boar, "but the instant my life is in
danger I shall need to use my tusks. There'll be no time to sharpen
them then."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="MERCURY_AND_THE_SCULPTOR"></a>
<h2>MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>Mercury was very anxious to know in what estimation he was held
by mankind; so he disguised himself as a man and walked into a
Sculptor's studio, where there were a number of statues finished
and ready for sale. Seeing a statue of Jupiter among the rest, he
inquired the price of it. "A crown," said the Sculptor. "Is that
all?" said he, laughing; "and" (pointing to one of Juno) "how much
is that one?" "That," was the reply, "is half a crown." "And how
much might you be wanting for that one over there, now?" he
continued, pointing to a statue of himself. "That one?" said the
Sculptor; "Oh, I'll throw him in for nothing if you'll buy the
other two."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FAWN_AND_HIS_MOTHER"></a>
<h2>THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hind said to her Fawn, who was now well grown and strong, "My
son, Nature has given you a powerful body and a stout pair of
horns, and I can't think why you are such a coward as to run away
from the hounds." Just then they both heard the sound of a pack in
full cry, but at a considerable distance. "You stay where you are,"
said the Hind; "never mind me": and with that she ran off as fast
as her legs could carry her.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/101-1.jpg" name="101-1"><img src="images/101-1.jpg" alt=
""></a></div>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox who had never seen a Lion one day met one, and was so
terrified at the sight of him that he was ready to die with fear.
After a time he met him again, and was still rather frightened, but
not nearly so much as he had been when he met him first. But when
he saw him for the third time he was so far from being afraid that
he went up to him and began to talk to him as if he had known him
all his life.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/101-2.jpg" name="101-2"><img src="images/101-2.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX AND THE LION"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE_AND_HIS_CAPTOR"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE AND HIS CAPTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once caught an Eagle, and after clipping his wings turned
him loose among the fowls in his hen-house, where he moped in a
corner, looking very dejected and forlorn. After a while his Captor
was glad enough to sell him to a neighbour, who took him home and
let his wings grow again. As soon as he had recovered the use of
them, the Eagle flew out and caught a hare, which he brought home
and presented to his benefactor. A fox observed this, and said to
the Eagle, "Don't waste your gifts on him! Go and give them to the
man who first caught you; make _him_ your friend, and then perhaps
he won't catch you and clip your wings a second time."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BLACKSMITH_AND_HIS_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE BLACKSMITH AND HIS DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Blacksmith had a little Dog, which used to sleep when his
master was at work, but was very wide awake indeed when it was time
for meals. One day his master pretended to be disgusted at this,
and when he had thrown him a bone as usual, he said, "What on earth
is the good of a lazy cur like you? When I am hammering away at my
anvil, you just curl up and go to sleep: but no sooner do I stop
for a mouthful of food than you wake up and wag your tail to be
fed."</p>
<p class="adage">Those who will not work deserve to starve.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_STAG_AT_THE_POOL"></a>
<h2>THE STAG AT THE POOL</h2>
<br>
<p>A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the
surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck with
admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same time he
felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his
legs. While he stood there looking at himself, he was seen and
attacked by a Lion; but in the chase which ensued, he soon drew
away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as long as the ground over
which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming presently to a
wood, he was caught by his antlers in the branches, and fell a
victim to the teeth and claws of his enemy. "Woe is me!" he cried
with his last breath; "I despised my legs, which might have saved
my life: but I gloried in my horns, and they have proved my
ruin."</p>
<p class="adage">What is worth most is often valued least.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG_AND_THE_SHADOW"></a>
<h2>THE DOG AND THE SHADOW</h2>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/104.jpg" name="104"><img src=
"images/104t.jpg" alt="THE DOG AND THE SHADOW"></a></div>
<p>A Dog was crossing a plank bridge over a stream with a piece of
meat in his mouth, when he happened to see his own reflection in
the water. He thought it was another dog with a piece of meat twice
as big; so he let go his own, and flew at the other dog to get the
larger piece. But, of course, all that happened was that he got
neither; for one was only a shadow, and the other was carried away
by the current.</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="MERCURY_AND_THE_TRADESMEN"></a>
<h2>MERCURY AND THE TRADESMEN</h2>
<br>
<p>When Jupiter was creating man, he told Mercury to make an
infusion of lies, and to add a little of it to the other
ingredients which went to the making of the Tradesmen. Mercury did
so, and introduced an equal amount into each in turn&mdash;the
tallow-chandler, and the greengrocer, and the haberdasher, and all,
till he came to the horse-dealer, who was last on the list, when,
finding that he had a quantity of the infusion still left, he put
it all into him. This is why all Tradesmen lie more or less, but
they none of them lie like a horse-dealer.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MICE_AND_THE_WEASELS"></a>
<h2>THE MICE AND THE WEASELS</h2>
<br>
<p>There was war between the Mice and the Weasels, in which the
Mice always got the worst of it, numbers of them being killed and
eaten by the Weasels. So they called a council of war, in which an
old Mouse got up and said, "It's no wonder we are always beaten,
for we have no generals to plan our battles and direct our
movements in the field." Acting on his advice, they chose the
biggest Mice to be their leaders, and these, in order to be
distinguished from the rank and file, provided themselves with
helmets bearing large plumes of straw. They then led out the Mice
to battle, confident of victory: but they were defeated as usual,
and were soon scampering as fast as they could to their holes. All
made their way to safety without difficulty except the leaders, who
were so hampered by the badges of their rank that they could not
get into their holes, and fell easy victims to their pursuers.</p>
<p class="adage">Greatness carries its own penalties.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PEACOCK_AND_JUNO"></a>
<h2>THE PEACOCK AND JUNO</h2>
<br>
<p>The Peacock was greatly discontented because he had not a
beautiful voice like the nightingale, and he went and complained to
Juno about it. "The nightingale's song," said he, "is the envy of
all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a
laughing-stock." The goddess tried to console him by saying, "You
have not, it is true, the power of song, but then you far excel all
the rest in beauty: your neck flashes like the emerald and your
splendid tail is a marvel of gorgeous colour." But the Peacock was
not appeased. "What is the use," said he, "of being beautiful, with
a voice like mine?" Then Juno replied, with a shade of sternness in
her tones, "Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to
yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song,
and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are
dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints.
For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find
cause for fresh discontent."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BEAR_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE BEAR AND THE FOX</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/108.jpg" name="108"><img src=
"images/108t.jpg" alt="THE BEAR AND THE FOX"></a></div>
<p>A Bear was once bragging about his generous feelings, and saying
how refined he was compared with other animals. (There is, in fact,
a tradition that a Bear will never touch a dead body.) A Fox, who
heard him talking in this strain, smiled and said, "My friend, when
you are hungry, I only wish you _would_ confine your attention to
the dead and leave the living alone."</p>
<p class="adage">A hypocrite deceives no one but himself.</p>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_THE_OLD_PEASANT"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND THE OLD PEASANT</h2>
<br>
<p>An old Peasant was sitting in a meadow watching his Ass, which
was grazing close by, when all of a sudden he caught sight of armed
men stealthily approaching. He jumped up in a moment, and begged
the Ass to fly with him as fast as he could, "Or else," said he,
"we shall both be captured by the enemy." But the Ass just looked
round lazily and said, "And if so, do you think they'll make me
carry heavier loads than I have to now?" "No," said his master.
"Oh, well, then," said the Ass, "I don't mind if they do take me,
for I shan't be any worse off."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/110.jpg"
name="110"><img src="images/110.jpg" alt=
"THE OX AND THE FROG"></a></div>
<a name="THE_OX_AND_THE_FROG"></a>
<h2>THE OX AND THE FROG</h2>
<br>
<p>Two little Frogs were playing about at the edge of a pool when
an Ox came down to the water to drink, and by accident trod on one
of them and crushed the life out of him. When the old Frog missed
him, she asked his brother where he was. "He is dead, mother," said
the little Frog; "an enormous big creature with four legs came to
our pool this morning and trampled him down in the mud." "Enormous,
was he? Was he as big as this?" said the Frog, puffing herself out
to look as big as possible. "Oh! yes, _much_ bigger," was the
answer. The Frog puffed herself out still more. "Was he as big as
this?" said she. "Oh! yes, yes, mother, _MUCH_ bigger," said the
little Frog. And yet again she puffed and puffed herself out till
she was almost as round as a ball. "As big as...?" she
began&mdash;but then she burst.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MAN_AND_THE_IMAGE"></a>
<h2>THE MAN AND THE IMAGE</h2>
<br>
<p>A poor Man had a wooden Image of a god, to which he used to pray
daily for riches. He did this for a long time, but remained as poor
as ever, till one day he caught up the Image in disgust and hurled
it with all his strength against the wall. The force of the blow
split open the head and a quantity of gold coins fell out upon the
floor. The Man gathered them up greedily, and said, "O you old
fraud, you! When I honoured you, you did me no good whatever: but
no sooner do I treat you to insults and violence than you make a
rich man of me!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="HERCULES_AND_THE_WAGGONER"></a>
<h2>HERCULES AND THE WAGGONER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Waggoner was driving his team along a muddy lane with a full
load behind them, when the wheels of his waggon sank so deep in the
mire that no efforts of his horses could move them. As he stood
there, looking helplessly on, and calling loudly at intervals upon
Hercules for assistance, the god himself appeared, and said to him,
"Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and goad on your horses, and
then you may call on Hercules to assist you. If you won't lift a
finger to help yourself, you can't expect Hercules or any one else
to come to your aid."</p>
<p class="adage">Heaven helps those who help themselves.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_POMEGRANATE,_THE_APPLE-TREE,_AND_THE_BRAMBLE"></a>
<h2>THE POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE-TREE, AND THE BRAMBLE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree were disputing about the quality
of their fruits, and each claimed that its own was the better of
the two. High words passed between them, and a violent quarrel was
imminent, when a Bramble impudently poked its head out of a
neighbouring hedge and said, "There, that's enough, my friends;
don't let us quarrel."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION,_THE_BEAR,_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion and a Bear were fighting for possession of a kid, which
they had both seized at the same moment. The battle was long and
fierce, and at length both of them were exhausted, and lay upon the
ground severely wounded and gasping for breath. A Fox had all the
time been prowling round and watching the fight: and when he saw
the combatants lying there too weak to move, he slipped in and
seized the kid, and ran off with it. They looked on helplessly, and
one said to the other, "Here we've been mauling each other all this
while, and no one the better for it except the Fox!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BLACKAMOOR"></a>
<h2>THE BLACKAMOOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once bought an Ethiopian slave, who had a black skin like
all Ethiopians; but his new master thought his colour was due to
his late owner's having neglected him, and that all he wanted was a
good scrubbing. So he set to work with plenty of soap and hot
water, and rubbed away at him with a will, but all to no purpose:
his skin remained as black as ever, while the poor wretch all but
died from the cold he caught.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/07black.jpg" name="07black"><img src="images/07-tblack.jpg"
alt="THE BLACKAMOOR"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TWO_SOLDIERS_AND_THE_ROBBER"></a>
<h2>THE TWO SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER</h2>
<br>
<p>Two Soldiers travelling together were set upon by a Robber. One
of them ran away, but the other stood his ground, and laid about
him so lustily with his sword that the Robber was fain to fly and
leave him in peace. When the coast was clear the timid one ran
back, and, flourishing his weapon, cried in a threatening voice,
"Where is he? Let me get at him, and I'll soon let him know whom
he's got to deal with." But the other replied, "You are a little
late, my friend: I only wish you had backed me up just now, even if
you had done no more than speak, for I should have been encouraged,
believing your words to be true. As it is, calm yourself, and put
up your sword: there is no further use for it. You may delude
others into thinking you're as brave as a lion: but I know that, at
the first sign of danger, you run away like a hare."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_WILD_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE WILD ASS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion and a Wild Ass went out hunting together: the latter was
to run down the prey by his superior speed, and the former would
then come up and despatch it. They met with great success; and when
it came to sharing the spoil the Lion divided it all into three
equal portions. "I will take the first," said he, "because I am
King of the beasts; I will also take the second, because, as your
partner, I am entitled to half of what remains; and as for the
third&mdash;well, unless you give it up to me and take yourself off
pretty quick, the third, believe me, will make you feel very sorry
for yourself!"</p>
<p class="adage">Might makes right.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/115.jpg"><img src="images/115.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<a name="THE_MAN_AND_THE_SATYR"></a>
<h2>THE MAN AND THE SATYR</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man and a Satyr became friends, and determined to live
together. All went well for a while, until one day in winter-time
the Satyr saw the Man blowing on his hands. "Why do you do that?"
he asked. "To warm my hands," said the Man. That same day, when
they sat down to supper together, they each had a steaming hot bowl
of porridge, and the Man raised his bowl to his mouth and blew on
it. "Why do you do that?" asked the Satyr. "To cool my porridge,"
said the Man. The Satyr got up from the table. "Good-bye," said he,
"I'm going: I can't be friends with a man who blows hot and cold
with the same breath."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/116.jpg"
name="116"><img src="images/116.jpg" alt=
"THE MAN AND THE SATYR"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_IMAGE-SELLER"></a>
<h2>THE IMAGE-SELLER</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man made a wooden Image of Mercury, and exposed it for
sale in the market. As no one offered to buy it, however, he
thought he would try to attract a purchaser by proclaiming the
virtues of the Image. So he cried up and down the market, "A god
for sale! a god for sale! One who'll bring you luck and keep you
lucky!" Presently one of the bystanders stopped him and said, "If
your god is all you make him out to be, how is it you don't keep
him and make the most of him yourself?" "I'll tell you why,"
replied he; "he brings gain, it is true, but he takes his time
about it; whereas I want money at once."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_ARROW"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW</h2>
<br>
<p>An Eagle sat perched on a lofty rock, keeping a sharp look-out
for prey. A huntsman, concealed in a cleft of the mountain and on
the watch for game, spied him there and shot an Arrow at him. The
shaft struck him full in the breast and pierced him through and
through. As he lay in the agonies of death, he turned his eyes upon
the Arrow. "Ah! cruel fate!" he cried, "that I should perish thus:
but oh! fate more cruel still, that the Arrow which kills me should
be winged with an Eagle's feathers!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_RICH_MAN_AND_THE_TANNER"></a>
<h2>THE RICH MAN AND THE TANNER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Rich Man took up his residence next door to a Tanner, and
found the smell of the tan-yard so extremely unpleasant that he
told him he must go. The Tanner delayed his departure, and the Rich
Man had to speak to him several times about it; and every time the
Tanner said he was making arrangements to move very shortly. This
went on for some time, till at last the Rich Man got so used to the
smell that he ceased to mind it, and troubled the Tanner with his
objections no more.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF,_THE_MOTHER,_AND_HER_CHILD"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD</h2>
<br>
<p>A hungry Wolf was prowling about in search of food. By and by,
attracted by the cries of a Child, he came to a cottage. As he
crouched beneath the window, he heard the Mother say to the Child,
"Stop crying, do! or I'll throw you to the Wolf." Thinking she
really meant what she said, he waited there a long time in the
expectation of satisfying his hunger. In the evening he heard the
Mother fondling her Child and saying, "If the naughty Wolf comes,
he shan't get my little one: Daddy will kill him." The Wolf got up
in much disgust and walked away: "As for the people in that house,"
said he to himself, "you can't believe a word they say."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_THE_WINE-JAR"></a>
<h2>THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR</h2>
<br>
<p>An old Woman picked up an empty Wine-jar which had once
contained a rare and costly wine, and which still retained some
traces of its exquisite bouquet. She raised it to her nose and
sniffed at it again and again. "Ah," she cried, "how delicious must
have been the liquid which has left behind so ravishing a
smell."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/119.jpg"
name="119"><img src="images/119.jpg" alt=
"THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LIONESS_AND_THE_VIXEN"></a>
<h2>THE LIONESS AND THE VIXEN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lioness and a Vixen were talking together about their young,
as mothers will, and saying how healthy and well-grown they were,
and what beautiful coats they had, and how they were the image of
their parents. "My litter of cubs is a joy to see," said the Fox;
and then she added, rather maliciously, "But I notice you never
have more than one." "No," said the Lioness grimly, "but that one's
a lion."</p>
<p class="adage">Quality, not quantity.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_VIPER_AND_THE_FILE"></a>
<h2>THE VIPER AND THE FILE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Viper entered a carpenter's shop, and went from one to another
of the tools, begging for something to eat. Among the rest, he
addressed himself to the File, and asked for the favour of a meal.
The File replied in a tone of pitying contempt, "What a simpleton
you must be if you imagine you will get anything from me, who
invariably take from every one and never give anything in
return."</p>
<p class="adage">The covetous are poor givers.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CAT_AND_THE_COCK"></a>
<h2>THE CAT AND THE COCK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Cat pounced on a Cock, and cast about for some good excuse for
making a meal off him, for Cats don't as a rule eat Cocks, and she
knew she ought not to. At last she said, "You make a great nuisance
of yourself at night by crowing and keeping people awake: so I am
going to make an end of you." But the Cock defended himself by
saying that he crowed in order that men might wake up and set about
the day's work in good time, and that they really couldn't very
well do without him. "That may be," said the Cat, "but whether they
can or not, I'm not going without my dinner"; and she killed and
ate him.</p>
<p class="adage">The want of a good excuse never kept a villain
from crime.</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/122.jpg"
name="122"><img src="images/122.jpg" alt=
"THE CAT AND THE COCK"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HARE_AND_THE_TORTOISE"></a>
<h2>THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/01hare.jpg" name=
"01hare"><img src="images/01-thare.jpg" alt=
"THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE"></a></div>
<p>A Hare was one day making fun of a Tortoise for being so slow
upon his feet. "Wait a bit," said the Tortoise; "I'll run a race
with you, and I'll wager that I win." "Oh, well," replied the Hare,
who was much amused at the idea, "let's try and see"; and it was
soon agreed that the fox should set a course for them, and be the
judge. When the time came both started off together, but the Hare
was soon so far ahead that he thought he might as well have a rest:
so down he lay and fell fast asleep. Meanwhile the Tortoise kept
plodding on, and in time reached the goal. At last the Hare woke up
with a start, and dashed on at his fastest, but only to find that
the Tortoise had already won the race.</p>
<p class="adage">Slow and steady wins the race.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SOLDIER_AND_HIS_HORSE"></a>
<h2>THE SOLDIER AND HIS HORSE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Soldier gave his Horse a plentiful supply of oats in time of
war, and tended him with the utmost care, for he wished him to be
strong to endure the hardships of the field, and swift to bear his
master, when need arose, out of the reach of danger. But when the
war was over he employed him on all sorts of drudgery, bestowing
but little attention upon him, and giving him, moreover, nothing
but chaff to eat. The time came when war broke out again, and the
Soldier saddled and bridled his Horse, and, having put on his heavy
coat of mail, mounted him to ride off and take the field. But the
poor half-starved beast sank down under his weight, and said to his
rider, "You will have to go into battle on foot this time. Thanks
to hard work and bad food, you have turned me from a Horse into an
ass; and you cannot in a moment turn me back again into a
Horse."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OXEN_AND_THE_BUTCHERS"></a>
<h2>THE OXEN AND THE BUTCHERS</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time the Oxen determined to be revenged upon the
Butchers for the havoc they wrought in their ranks, and plotted to
put them to death on a given day. They were all gathered together
discussing how best to carry out the plan, and the more violent of
them were engaged in sharpening their horns for the fray, when an
old Ox got up upon his feet and said, "My brothers, you have good
reason, I know, to hate these Butchers, but, at any rate, they
understand their trade and do what they have to do without causing
unnecessary pain. But if we kill them, others, who have no
experience, will be set to slaughter us, and will by their bungling
inflict great sufferings upon us. For you may be sure that, even
though all the Butchers perish, mankind will never go without their
beef."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A wolf stole a lamb from the flock, and was carrying it off to
devour it at his leisure when he met a Lion, who took his prey away
from him and walked off with it. He dared not resist, but when the
Lion had gone some distance he said, "It is most unjust of you to
take what's mine away from me like that." The Lion laughed and
called out in reply, "It was justly yours, no doubt! The gift of a
friend, perhaps, eh?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/126-1.jpg"><img src=
"images/126-1.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/126-2.jpg"><img src=
"images/126-2.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<a name="THE_SHEEP,_THE_WOLF,_AND_THE_STAG"></a>
<h2>THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG</h2>
<br clear="all">
<p>A Stag once asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, saying
that his friend the Wolf would be his surety. The Sheep, however,
was afraid that they meant to cheat her; so she excused herself,
saying, "The Wolf is in the habit of seizing what he wants and
running off with it without paying, and you, too, can run much
faster than I. So how shall I be able to come up with either of you
when the debt falls due?"</p>
<p class="adage">Two blacks do not make a white.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/126-3.jpg" name="126-3"><img src="images/126-3.jpg" alt=
"THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_THREE_BULLS"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE THREE BULLS</h2>
<br>
<p>Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a
Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he
was no match for the three so long as they kept together. So he
began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies
and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well that ere
long the Bulls grew cold and unfriendly, and finally avoided each
other and fed each one by himself apart. No sooner did the Lion see
this than he fell upon them one by one and killed them in turn.</p>
<p class="adage">The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of
foes.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HORSE_AND_HIS_RIDER"></a>
<h2>THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Young Man, who fancied himself something of a horseman,
mounted a Horse which had not been properly broken in, and was
exceedingly difficult to control. No sooner did the Horse feel his
weight in the saddle than he bolted, and nothing would stop him. A
friend of the Rider's met him in the road in his headlong career,
and called out, "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" To which
he, pointing to the Horse, replied, "I've no idea: ask him."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/128.jpg"
name="128"><img src="images/128.jpg" alt=
"THE GOAT AND THE VINE"></a></div>
<a name="THE_GOAT_AND_THE_VINE"></a>
<h2>THE GOAT AND THE VINE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Goat was straying in a vineyard, and began to browse on the
tender shoots of a Vine which bore several fine bunches of grapes.
"What have I done to you," said the Vine, "that you should harm me
thus? Isn't there grass enough for you to feed on? All the same,
even if you eat up every leaf I have, and leave me quite bare, I
shall produce wine enough to pour over you when you are led to the
altar to be sacrificed."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TWO_POTS"></a>
<h2>THE TWO POTS</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/082pots.jpg" name=
"082pots"><img src="images/08-t2pots.jpg" alt=
"THE TWO POTS"></a></div>
<p>Two Pots, one of earthenware and the other of brass, were
carried away down a river in flood. The Brazen Pot urged his
companion to keep close by his side, and he would protect him. The
other thanked him, but begged him not to come near him on any
account: "For that," he said, "is just what I am most afraid of.
One touch from you and I should be broken in pieces."</p>
<p class="adage">Equals make the best friends.</p>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLD_HOUND"></a>
<h2>THE OLD HOUND</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hound who had served his master well for years, and had run
down many a quarry in his time, began to lose his strength and
speed owing to age. One day, when out hunting, his master started a
powerful wild boar and set the Hound at him. The latter seized the
beast by the ear, but his teeth were gone and he could not retain
his hold; so the boar escaped. His master began to scold him
severely, but the Hound interrupted him with these words: "My will
is as strong as ever, master, but my body is old and feeble. You
ought to honour me for what I have been instead of abusing me for
what I am."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CLOWN_AND_THE_COUNTRYMAN"></a>
<h2>THE CLOWN AND THE COUNTRYMAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Nobleman announced his intention of giving a public
entertainment in the theatre, and offered splendid prizes to all
who had any novelty to exhibit at the performance. The announcement
attracted a crowd of conjurers, jugglers, and acrobats, and among
the rest a Clown, very popular with the crowd, who let it be known
that he was going to give an entirely new turn. When the day of the
performance came, the theatre was filled from top to bottom some
time before the entertainment began. Several performers exhibited
their tricks, and then the popular favourite came on empty-handed
and alone. At once there was a hush of expectation: and he, letting
his head fall upon his breast, imitated the squeak of a pig to such
perfection that the audience insisted on his producing the animal,
which, they said, he must have somewhere concealed about his
person. He, however, convinced them that there was no pig there,
and then the applause was deafening. Among the spectators was a
Countryman, who disparaged the Clown's performance and announced
that he would give a much superior exhibition of the same trick on
the following day. Again the theatre was filled to overflowing, and
again the Clown gave his imitation amidst the cheers of the crowd.
The Countryman, meanwhile, before going on the stage, had secreted
a young porker under his smock; and when the spectators derisively
bade him do better if he could, he gave it a pinch in the ear and
made it squeal loudly. But they all with one voice shouted out that
the Clown's imitation was much more true to life. Thereupon he
produced the pig from under his smock and said sarcastically,
"There, that shows what sort of judges you are!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LARK_AND_THE_FARMER"></a>
<h2>THE LARK AND THE FARMER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lark nested in a field of corn, and was rearing her brood
under cover of the ripening grain. One day, before the young were
fully fledged, the Farmer came to look at the crop, and, finding it
yellowing fast, he said, "I must send round word to my neighbours
to come and help me reap this field." One of the young Larks
overheard him, and was very much frightened, and asked her mother
whether they hadn't better move house at once. "There's no hurry,"
replied she; "a man who looks to his friends for help will take his
time about a thing." In a few days the Farmer came by again, and
saw that the grain was overripe and falling out of the ears upon
the ground. "I must put it off no longer," he said; "This very day
I'll hire the men and set them to work at once." The Lark heard him
and said to her young, "Come, my children, we must be off: he talks
no more of his friends now, but is going to take things in hand
himself."</p>
<p class="adage">Self-help is the best help.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE ASS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion and an Ass set up as partners and went a-hunting
together. In course of time they came to a cave in which there were
a number of wild goats. The Lion took up his stand at the mouth of
the cave, and waited for them to come out; while the Ass went
inside and brayed for all he was worth in order to frighten them
out into the open. The Lion struck them down one by one as they
appeared; and when the cave was empty the Ass came out and said,
"Well, I scared them pretty well, didn't I?" "I should think you
did," said the Lion: "why, if I hadn't known you were an Ass, I
should have turned and run myself."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PROPHET"></a>
<h2>THE PROPHET</h2>
<br>
<p>A Prophet sat in the market-place and told the fortunes of all
who cared to engage his services. Suddenly there came running up
one who told him that his house had been broken into by thieves,
and that they had made off with everything they could lay hands on.
He was up in a moment, and rushed off, tearing his hair and calling
down curses on the miscreants. The bystanders were much amused, and
one of them said, "Our friend professes to know what is going to
happen to others, but it seems he's not clever enough to perceive
what's in store for himself."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/133.jpg"
name="133"><img src="images/133.jpg" alt=
"THE HOUND AND THE HARE"></a></div>
<a name="THE_HOUND_AND_THE_HARE"></a>
<h2>THE HOUND AND THE HARE</h2>
<br>
<p>A young Hound started a Hare, and, when he caught her up, would
at one moment snap at her with his teeth as though he were about to
kill her, while at another he would let go his hold and frisk about
her, as if he were playing with another dog. At last the Hare said,
"I wish you would show yourself in your true colours! If you are my
friend, why do you bite me? If you are my enemy, why do you play
with me?"</p>
<p class="adage">He is no friend who plays double.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION,_THE_MOUSE,_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE LION, THE MOUSE, AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion was lying asleep at the mouth of his den when a Mouse ran
over his back and tickled him so that he woke up with a start and
began looking about everywhere to see what it was that had
disturbed him. A Fox, who was looking on, thought he would have a
joke at the expense of the Lion; so he said, "Well, this is the
first time I've seen a Lion afraid of a Mouse." "Afraid of a
Mouse?" said the Lion testily: "not I! It's his bad manners I can't
stand."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TRUMPETER_TAKEN_PRISONER"></a>
<h2>THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Trumpeter marched into battle in the van of the army and put
courage into his comrades by his warlike tunes. Being captured by
the enemy, he begged for his life, and said, "Do not put me to
death; I have killed no one: indeed, I have no weapons, but carry
with me only my trumpet here." But his captors replied, "That is
only the more reason why we should take your life; for, though you
do not fight yourself, you stir up others to do so."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_CRANE"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE CRANE</h2>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/136.jpg" name="136"><img src=
"images/136t.jpg" alt="THE WOLF AND THE CRANE"></a></div>
<p>A Wolf once got a bone stuck in his throat. So he went to a
Crane and begged her to put her long bill down his throat and pull
it out. "I'll make it worth your while," he added. The Crane did as
she was asked, and got the bone out quite easily. The Wolf thanked
her warmly, and was just turning away, when she cried, "What about
that fee of mine?" "Well, what about it?" snapped the Wolf, baring
his teeth as he spoke; "you can go about boasting that you once put
your head into a Wolf's mouth and didn't get it bitten off. What
more do you want?"</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE,_THE_CAT,_AND_THE_WILD_SOW"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW</h2>
<br>
<p>An Eagle built her nest at the top of a high tree; a Cat with
her family occupied a hollow in the trunk half-way down; and a Wild
Sow and her young took up their quarters at the foot. They might
have got on very well as neighbours had it not been for the evil
cunning of the Cat. Climbing up to the Eagle's nest she said to the
Eagle, "You and I are in the greatest possible danger. That
dreadful creature, the Sow, who is always to be seen grubbing away
at the foot of the tree, means to uproot it, that she may devour
your family and mine at her ease." Having thus driven the Eagle
almost out of her senses with terror, the Cat climbed down the
tree, and said to the Sow, "I must warn you against that dreadful
bird, the Eagle. She is only waiting her chance to fly down and
carry off one of your little pigs when you take them out, to feed
her brood with." She succeeded in frightening the Sow as much as
the Eagle. Then she returned to her hole in the trunk, from which,
feigning to be afraid, she never came forth by day. Only by night
did she creep out unseen to procure food for her kittens. The
Eagle, meanwhile was afraid to stir from her nest, and the Sow
dared not leave her home among the roots: so that in time both they
and their families perished of hunger, and their dead bodies
supplied the Cat with ample food for her growing family.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_SHEEP"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf was worried and badly bitten by dogs, and lay a long time
for dead. By and by he began to revive, and, feeling very hungry,
called out to a passing Sheep and said, "Would you kindly bring me
some water from the stream close by? I can manage about meat, if
only I could get something to drink." But this Sheep was no fool.
"I can quite understand", said he, "that if I brought you the
water, you would have no difficulty about the meat.
Good-morning."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TUNNY-FISH_AND_THE_DOLPHIN"></a>
<h2>THE TUNNY-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Tunny-fish was chased by a Dolphin and splashed through the
water at a great rate, but the Dolphin gradually gained upon him,
and was just about to seize him when the force of his flight
carried the Tunny on to a sandbank. In the heat of the chase the
Dolphin followed him, and there they both lay out of the water,
gasping for dear life. When the Tunny saw that his enemy was doomed
like himself, he said, "I don't mind having to die now: for I see
that he who is the cause of my death is about to share the same
fate."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_THREE_TRADESMEN"></a>
<h2>THE THREE TRADESMEN</h2>
<br>
<p>The citizens of a certain city were debating about the best
material to use in the fortifications which were about to be
erected for the greater security of the town. A Carpenter got up
and advised the use of wood, which he said was readily procurable
and easily worked. A Stone-mason objected to wood on the ground
that it was so inflammable, and recommended stones instead. Then a
Tanner got on his legs and said, "In my opinion there's nothing
like leather."</p>
<p class="adage">Every man for himself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MOUSE_AND_THE_BULL"></a>
<h2>THE MOUSE AND THE BULL</h2>
<br>
<p>A Bull gave chase to a Mouse which had bitten him in the nose:
but the Mouse was too quick for him and slipped into a hole in a
wall. The Bull charged furiously into the wall again and again
until he was tired out, and sank down on the ground exhausted with
his efforts. When all was quiet, the Mouse darted out and bit him
again. Beside himself with rage he started to his feet, but by that
time the Mouse was back in his hole again, and he could do nothing
but bellow and fume in helpless anger. Presently he heard a shrill
little voice say from inside the wall, "You big fellows don't
always have it your own way, you see: sometimes we little ones come
off best."</p>
<p class="adage">The battle is not always to the strong.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HARE_AND_THE_HOUND"></a>
<h2>THE HARE AND THE HOUND</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hound started a Hare from her form, and pursued her for some
distance; but as she gradually gained upon him, he gave up the
chase. A rustic who had seen the race met the Hound as he was
returning, and taunted him with his defeat. "The little one was too
much for you," said he. "Ah, well," said the Hound, "don't forget
it's one thing to be running for your dinner, but quite another to
be running for your life."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TOWN_MOUSE_AND_THE_COUNTRY_MOUSE"></a>
<h2>THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/141.jpg"
name="141"><img src="images/141.jpg" alt=
"THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE"></a></div>
<br>
<p>A Town Mouse and a Country Mouse were acquaintances, and the
Country Mouse one day invited his friend to come and see him at his
home in the fields. The Town Mouse came, and they sat down to a
dinner of barleycorns and roots, the latter of which had a
distinctly earthy flavour. The fare was not much to the taste of
the guest, and presently he broke out with "My poor dear friend,
you live here no better than the ants. Now, you should just see how
I fare! My larder is a regular horn of plenty. You must come and
stay with me, and I promise you you shall live on the fat of the
land." So when he returned to town he took the Country Mouse with
him, and showed him into a larder containing flour and oatmeal and
figs and honey and dates. The Country Mouse had never seen anything
like it, and sat down to enjoy the luxuries his friend provided:
but before they had well begun, the door of the larder opened and
some one came in. The two Mice scampered off and hid themselves in
a narrow and exceedingly uncomfortable hole. Presently, when all
was quiet, they ventured out again; but some one else came in, and
off they scuttled again. This was too much for the visitor.
"Good-bye," said he, "I'm off. You live in the lap of luxury, I can
see, but you are surrounded by dangers; whereas at home I can enjoy
my simple dinner of roots and corn in peace."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_BULL"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE BULL</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion saw a fine fat Bull pasturing among a herd of cattle and
cast about for some means of getting him into his clutches; so he
sent him word that he was sacrificing a sheep, and asked if he
would do him the honour of dining with him. The Bull accepted the
invitation, but, on arriving at the Lion's den, he saw a great
array of saucepans and spits, but no sign of a sheep; so he turned
on his heel and walked quietly away. The Lion called after him in
an injured tone to ask the reason, and the Bull turned round and
said, "I have reason enough. When I saw all your preparations it
struck me at once that the victim was to be a Bull and not a
sheep."</p>
<p class="adage">The net is spread in vain in sight of the
bird.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_APE"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/144.jpg" name="144"><img src=
"images/144t.jpg" alt="THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE"></a></div>
<p>A Wolf charged a Fox with theft, which he denied, and the case
was brought before an Ape to be tried. When he had heard the
evidence on both sides, the Ape gave judgment as follows: "I do not
think," he said, "that you, O Wolf, ever lost what you claim; but
all the same I believe that you, Fox, are guilty of the theft, in
spite of all your denials."</p>
<p class="adage">The dishonest get no credit, even if they act
honestly.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_COCKS"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE AND THE COCKS</h2>
<br>
<p>There were two Cocks in the same farmyard, and they fought to
decide who should be master. When the fight was over, the beaten
one went and hid himself in a dark corner; while the victor flew up
on to the roof of the stables and crowed lustily. But an Eagle
espied him from high up in the sky, and swooped down and carried
him off. Forthwith the other Cock came out of his corner and ruled
the roost without a rival.</p>
<p class="adage">Pride comes before a fall.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ESCAPED_JACKDAW"></a>
<h2>THE ESCAPED JACKDAW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man caught a Jackdaw and tied a piece of string to one of its
legs, and then gave it to his children for a pet. But the Jackdaw
didn't at all like having to live with people; so, after a while,
when he seemed to have become fairly tame and they didn't watch him
so closely, he slipped away and flew back to his old haunts.
Unfortunately, the string was still on his leg, and before long it
got entangled in the branches of a tree and the Jackdaw couldn't
get free, try as he would. He saw it was all up with him, and cried
in despair, "Alas, in gaining my freedom I have lost my life."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer was greatly annoyed by a Fox, which came prowling about
his yard at night and carried off his fowls. So he set a trap for
him and caught him; and in order to be revenged upon him, he tied a
bunch of tow to his tail and set fire to it and let him go. As
ill-luck would have it, however, the Fox made straight for the
fields where the corn was standing ripe and ready for cutting. It
quickly caught fire and was all burnt up, and the Farmer lost all
his harvest.</p>
<p class="adage">Revenge is a two-edged sword.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="VENUS_AND_THE_CAT"></a>
<h2>VENUS AND THE CAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Cat fell in love with a handsome young man, and begged the
goddess Venus to change her into a woman. Venus was very gracious
about it, and changed her at once into a beautiful maiden, whom the
young man fell in love with at first sight and shortly afterwards
married. One day Venus thought she would like to see whether the
Cat had changed her habits as well as her form; so she let a mouse
run loose in the room where they were. Forgetting everything, the
young woman had no sooner seen the mouse than up she jumped and was
after it like a shot: at which the goddess was so disgusted that
she changed her back again into a Cat.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/09venus.jpg" name="09venus"><img src="images/09-tvenus.jpg"
alt="VENUS AND THE CAT"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CROW_AND_THE_SWAN"></a>
<h2>THE CROW AND THE SWAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Crow was filled with envy on seeing the beautiful white
plumage of a Swan, and thought it was due to the water in which the
Swan constantly bathed and swam. So he left the neighbourhood of
the altars, where he got his living by picking up bits of the meat
offered in sacrifice, and went and lived among the pools and
streams. But though he bathed and washed his feathers many times a
day, he didn't make them any whiter, and at last died of hunger
into the bargain.</p>
<p class="adage">You may change your habits, but not your
nature.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_STAG_WITH_ONE_EYE"></a>
<h2>THE STAG WITH ONE EYE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Stag, blind of one eye, was grazing close to the sea-shore and
kept his sound eye turned towards the land, so as to be able to
perceive the approach of the hounds, while the blind eye he turned
towards the sea, never suspecting that any danger would threaten
him from that quarter. As it fell out, however, some sailors,
coasting along the shore, spied him and shot an arrow at him, by
which he was mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he said to himself,
"Wretch that I am! I bethought me of the dangers of the land,
whence none assailed me: but I feared no peril from the sea, yet
thence has come my ruin."</p>
<p class="adage">Misfortune often assails us from an unexpected
quarter.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FLY_AND_THE_DRAUGHT-MULE"></a>
<h2>THE FLY AND THE DRAUGHT-MULE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fly sat on one of the shafts of a cart and said to the Mule
who was pulling it, "How slow you are! Do mend your pace, or I
shall have to use my sting as a goad." The Mule was not in the
least disturbed. "Behind me, in the cart," said he, "sits my
master. He holds the reins, and flicks me with his whip, and him I
obey, but I don't want any of your impertinence. _I_ know when I
may dawdle and when I may not."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_COCK_AND_THE_JEWEL"></a>
<h2>THE COCK AND THE JEWEL</h2>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/150.jpg" name="150"><img src=
"images/150t.jpg" alt="THE COCK AND THE JEWEL"></a></div>
<p>A Cock, scratching the ground for something to eat, turned up a
Jewel that had by chance been dropped there. "Ho!" said he, "a fine
thing you are, no doubt, and, had your owner found you, great would
his joy have been. But for me! give me a single grain of corn
before all the jewels in the world."</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_SHEPHERD"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf hung about near a flock of sheep for a long time, but
made no attempt to molest them. The Shepherd at first kept a sharp
eye on him, for he naturally thought he meant mischief: but as time
went by and the Wolf showed no inclination to meddle with the
flock, he began to look upon him more as a protector than as an
enemy: and when one day some errand took him to the city, he felt
no uneasiness at leaving the Wolf with the sheep. But as soon as
his back was turned the Wolf attacked them and killed the greater
number. When the Shepherd returned and saw the havoc he had
wrought, he cried, "It serves me right for trusting my flock to a
Wolf."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_THE_STORK"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND THE STORK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer set some traps in a field which he had lately sown with
corn, in order to catch the cranes which came to pick up the seed.
When he returned to look at his traps he found several cranes
caught, and among them a Stork, which begged to be let go, and
said, "You ought not to kill me: I am not a crane, but a Stork, as
you can easily see by my feathers, and I am the most honest and
harmless of birds." But the Farmer replied, "It's nothing to me
what you are: I find you among these cranes, who ruin my crops,
and, like them, you shall suffer."</p>
<p class="adage">If you choose bad companions no one will believe
that you are anything but bad yourself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CHARGER_AND_THE_MILLER"></a>
<h2>THE CHARGER AND THE MILLER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Horse, who had been used to carry his rider into battle, felt
himself growing old and chose to work in a mill instead. He now no
longer found himself stepping out proudly to the beating of the
drums, but was compelled to slave away all day grinding the corn.
Bewailing his hard lot, he said one day to the Miller, "Ah me! I
was once a splendid war-horse, gaily caparisoned, and attended by a
groom whose sole duty was to see to my wants. How different is my
present condition! I wish I had never given up the battlefield for
the mill." The Miller replied with asperity, "It's no use your
regretting the past. Fortune has many ups and downs: you must just
take them as they come."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GRASSHOPPER_AND_THE_OWL"></a>
<h2>THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL</h2>
<br>
<p>An Owl, who lived in a hollow tree, was in the habit of feeding
by night and sleeping by day; but her slumbers were greatly
disturbed by the chirping of a Grasshopper, who had taken up his
abode in the branches. She begged him repeatedly to have some
consideration for her comfort, but the Grasshopper, if anything,
only chirped the louder. At last the Owl could stand it no longer,
but determined to rid herself of the pest by means of a trick.
Addressing herself to the Grasshopper, she said in her pleasantest
manner, "As I cannot sleep for your song, which, believe me, is as
sweet as the notes of Apollo's lyre, I have a mind to taste some
nectar, which Minerva gave me the other day. Won't you come in and
join me?" The Grasshopper was flattered by the praise of his song,
and his mouth, too, watered at the mention of the delicious drink,
so he said he would be delighted. No sooner had he got inside the
hollow where the Owl was sitting than she pounced upon him and ate
him up.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GRASSHOPPER_AND_THE_ANTS"></a>
<h2>THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS</h2>
<br>
<p>One fine day in winter some Ants were busy drying their store of
corn, which had got rather damp during a long spell of rain.
Presently up came a Grasshopper and begged them to spare her a few
grains, "For," she said, "I'm simply starving." The Ants stopped
work for a moment, though this was against their principles. "May
we ask," said they, "what you were doing with yourself all last
summer? Why didn't you collect a store of food for the winter?"
"The fact is," replied the Grasshopper, "I was so busy singing that
I hadn't the time." "If you spent the summer singing," replied the
Ants, "you can't do better than spend the winter dancing." And they
chuckled and went on with their work.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/154.jpg"
name="154"><img src="images/154.jpg" alt=
"THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_THE_VIPER"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND THE VIPER</h2>
<br>
<p>One winter a Farmer found a Viper frozen and numb with cold, and
out of pity picked it up and placed it in his bosom. The Viper was
no sooner revived by the warmth than it turned upon its benefactor
and inflicted a fatal bite upon him; and as the poor man lay dying,
he cried, "I have only got what I deserved, for taking compassion
on so villainous a creature."</p>
<p class="adage">Kindness is thrown away upon the evil.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TWO_FROGS"></a>
<h2>THE TWO FROGS</h2>
<br>
<p>Two Frogs were neighbours. One lived in a marsh, where there was
plenty of water, which frogs love: the other in a lane some
distance away, where all the water to be had was that which lay in
the ruts after rain. The Marsh Frog warned his friend and pressed
him to come and live with him in the marsh, for he would find his
quarters there far more comfortable and&mdash;what was still more
important&mdash;more safe. But the other refused, saying that he
could not bring himself to move from a place to which he had become
accustomed. A few days afterwards a heavy waggon came down the
lane, and he was crushed to death under the wheels.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_COBBLER_TURNED_DOCTOR"></a>
<h2>THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A very unskilful Cobbler, finding himself unable to make a
living at his trade, gave up mending boots and took to doctoring
instead. He gave out that he had the secret of a universal antidote
against all poisons, and acquired no small reputation, thanks to
his talent for puffing himself. One day, however, he fell very ill;
and the King of the country bethought him that he would test the
value of his remedy. Calling, therefore, for a cup, he poured out a
dose of the antidote, and, under pretence of mixing poison with it,
added a little water, and commanded him to drink it. Terrified by
the fear of being poisoned, the Cobbler confessed that he knew
nothing about medicine, and that his antidote was worthless. Then
the King summoned his subjects and addressed them as follows: "What
folly could be greater than yours? Here is this Cobbler to whom no
one will send his boots to be mended, and yet you have not
hesitated to entrust him with your lives!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS,_THE_COCK,_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE ASS, THE COCK, AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>An Ass and a Cock were in a cattle-pen together. Presently a
Lion, who had been starving for days, came along and was just about
to fall upon the Ass and make a meal of him when the Cock, rising
to his full height and flapping his wings vigorously, uttered a
tremendous crow. Now, if there is one thing that frightens a Lion,
it is the crowing of a Cock: and this one had no sooner heard the
noise than he fled. The Ass was mightily elated at this, and
thought that, if the Lion couldn't face a Cock, he would be still
less likely to stand up to an Ass: so he ran out and pursued him.
But when the two had got well out of sight and hearing of the Cock,
the Lion suddenly turned upon the Ass and ate him up.</p>
<p class="adage">False confidence often leads to disaster.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BELLY_AND_THE_MEMBERS"></a>
<h2>THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS</h2>
<br>
<p>The Members of the Body once rebelled against the Belly. "You,"
they said to the Belly, "live in luxury and sloth, and never do a
stroke of work; while we not only have to do all the hard work
there is to be done, but are actually your slaves and have to
minister to all your wants. Now, we will do so no longer, and you
can shift for yourself for the future." They were as good as their
word, and left the Belly to starve. The result was just what might
have been expected: the whole Body soon began to fail, and the
Members and all shared in the general collapse. And then they saw
too late how foolish they had been.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BALD_MAN_AND_THE_FLY"></a>
<h2>THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/158-1.jpg" name="158-1"><img src="images/158-1.jpg" alt=
"THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY"></a></div>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/158-2.jpg"><img width=
"200" src="images/158-2.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<p>A Fly settled on the head of a Bald Man and bit him. In his
eagerness to kill it, he hit himself a smart slap. But the Fly
escaped, and said to him in derision, "You tried to kill me for
just one little bite; what will you do to yourself now, for the
heavy smack you have just given yourself?" "Oh, for that blow I
bear no grudge," he replied, "for I never intended myself any harm;
but as for you, you contemptible insect, who live by sucking human
blood, I'd have borne a good deal more than that for the
satisfaction of dashing the life out of you!"</p>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>An Ass was feeding in a meadow, and, catching sight of his enemy
the Wolf in the distance, pretended to be very lame and hobbled
painfully along. When the Wolf came up, he asked the Ass how he
came to be so lame, and the Ass replied that in going through a
hedge he had trodden on a thorn, and he begged the Wolf to pull it
out with his teeth, "In case," he said, "when you eat me, it should
stick in your throat and hurt you very much." The Wolf said he
would, and told the Ass to lift up his foot, and gave his whole
mind to getting out the thorn. But the Ass suddenly let out with
his heels and fetched the Wolf a fearful kick in the mouth,
breaking his teeth; and then he galloped off at full speed. As soon
as he could speak the Wolf growled to himself, "It serves me right:
my father taught me to kill, and I ought to have stuck to that
trade instead of attempting to cure."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/160.jpg"
name="160"><img src="images/160.jpg" alt=
"THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL"></a></div>
<a name="THE_MONKEY_AND_THE_CAMEL"></a>
<h2>THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL</h2>
<br>
<p>At a gathering of all the beasts the Monkey gave an exhibition
of dancing and entertained the company vastly. There was great
applause at the finish, which excited the envy of the Camel and
made him desire to win the favour of the assembly by the same
means. So he got up from his place and began dancing, but he cut
such a ridiculous figure as he plunged about, and made such a
grotesque exhibition of his ungainly person, that the beasts all
fell upon him with ridicule and drove him away.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SICK_MAN_AND_THE_DOCTOR"></a>
<h2>THE SICK MAN AND THE DOCTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A Sick Man received a visit from his Doctor, who asked him how
he was. "Fairly well, Doctor," said he, "but I find I sweat a great
deal." "Ah," said the Doctor, "that's a good sign." On his next
visit he asked the same question, and his patient replied, "I'm
much as usual, but I've taken to having shivering fits, which leave
me cold all over." "Ah," said the Doctor, "that's a good sign too."
When he came the third time and inquired as before about his
patient's health, the Sick Man said that he felt very feverish. "A
very good sign," said the Doctor; "you are doing very nicely
indeed." Afterwards a friend came to see the invalid, and on asking
him how he did, received this reply: "My dear friend, I'm dying of
good signs."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TRAVELLERS_AND_THE_PLANE-TREE"></a>
<h2>THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE</h2>
<br>
<p>Two Travellers were walking along a bare and dusty road in the
heat of a summer's day. Coming presently to a Plane-tree, they
joyfully turned aside to shelter from the burning rays of the sun
in the deep shade of its spreading branches. As they rested,
looking up into the tree, one of them remarked to his companion,
"What a useless tree the Plane is! It bears no fruit and is of no
service to man at all." The Plane-tree interrupted him with
indignation. "You ungrateful creature!" it cried: "you come and
take shelter under me from the scorching sun, and then, in the very
act of enjoying the cool shade of my foliage, you abuse me and call
me good for nothing!"</p>
<p class="adage">Many a service is met with ingratitude.</p>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/10trav.jpg" name="10trav"><img src="images/10-ttrav.jpg"
alt="THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FLEA_AND_THE_OX"></a>
<h2>THE FLEA AND THE OX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Flea once said to an Ox, "How comes it that a big strong
fellow like you is content to serve mankind, and do all their hard
work for them, while I, who am no bigger than you see, live on
their bodies and drink my fill of their blood, and never do a
stroke for it all?" To which the Ox replied, "Men are very kind to
me, and so I am grateful to them: they feed and house me well, and
every now and then they show their fondness for me by patting me on
the head and neck." "They'd pat me, too," said the Flea, "if I let
them: but I take good care they don't, or there would be nothing
left of me."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BIRDS,_THE_BEASTS,_AND_THE_BAT"></a>
<h2>THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT</h2>
<br>
<p>The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and many battles were
fought with varying success on either side. The Bat did not throw
in his lot definitely with either party, but when things went well
for the Birds he was found fighting in their ranks; when, on the
other hand, the Beasts got the upper hand, he was to be found among
the Beasts. No one paid any attention to him while the war lasted:
but when it was over, and peace was restored, neither the Birds nor
the Beasts would have anything to do with so double-faced a
traitor, and so he remains to this day a solitary outcast from
both.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MAN_AND_HIS_TWO_SWEETHEARTS"></a>
<h2>THE MAN AND HIS TWO SWEETHEARTS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man of middle age, whose hair was turning grey, had two
Sweethearts, an old woman and a young one. The elder of the two
didn't like having a lover who looked so much younger than herself;
so, whenever he came to see her, she used to pull the dark hairs
out of his head to make him look old. The younger, on the other
hand, didn't like him to look so much older than herself, and took
every opportunity of pulling out the grey hairs, to make him look
young. Between them, they left not a hair in his head, and he
became perfectly bald.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE,_THE_JACKDAW,_AND_THE_SHEPHERD"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW, AND THE SHEPHERD</h2>
<br>
<p>One day a Jackdaw saw an Eagle swoop down on a lamb and carry it
off in its talons. "My word," said the Jackdaw, "I'll do that
myself." So it flew high up into the air, and then came shooting
down with a great whirring of wings on to the back of a big ram. It
had no sooner alighted than its claws got caught fast in the wool,
and nothing it could do was of any use: there it stuck, flapping
away, and only making things worse instead of better. By and by up
came the Shepherd. "Oho," he said, "so that's what you'd be doing,
is it?" And he took the Jackdaw, and clipped its wings and carried
it home to his children. It looked so odd that they didn't know
what to make of it. "What sort of bird is it, father?" they asked.
"It's a Jackdaw," he replied, "and nothing but a Jackdaw: but it
wants to be taken for an Eagle."</p>
<p class="adage">If you attempt what is beyond your power, your
trouble will be wasted and you court not only misfortune but
ridicule.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_BOY"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE BOY</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf, who had just enjoyed a good meal and was in a playful
mood, caught sight of a Boy lying flat upon the ground, and,
realising that he was trying to hide, and that it was fear of
himself that made him do this, he went up to him and said, "Aha,
I've found you, you see; but if you can say three things to me, the
truth of which cannot be disputed, I will spare your life." The Boy
plucked up courage and thought for a moment, and then he said,
"First, it is a pity you saw me; secondly, I was a fool to let
myself be seen; and thirdly, we all hate wolves because they are
always making unprovoked attacks upon our flocks." The Wolf
replied, "Well, what you say is true enough from your point of
view; so you may go."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/165-1.jpg" name="165-1"><img src="images/165-1.jpg" alt=
"THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS"></a></div>
<a name="THE_MILLER,_HIS_SON,_AND_THEIR_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS</h2>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/165-2.jpg"><img src=
"images/165-2.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<p>A Miller, accompanied by his young Son, was driving his Ass to
market in hopes of finding a purchaser for him. On the road they
met a troop of girls, laughing and talking, who exclaimed, "Did you
ever see such a pair of fools? To be trudging along the dusty road
when they might be riding!" The Miller thought there was sense in
what they said;</p>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/165-3.jpg"><img src=
"images/165-3.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
so he made his Son mount the Ass, and himself walked at the side.
Presently they met some of his old cronies, who greeted them and
said, "You'll spoil that Son of yours, letting him ride while you
toil along on foot!
<div class="figright"><a href="images/166-1.jpg"><img src=
"images/166-1.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
Make him walk, young lazybones! It'll do him all the good in the
world." The Miller followed their advice, and took his Son's place
on the back of the Ass while the boy trudged along behind. They had
not gone far when they overtook a party of women and children, and
the Miller heard them say, "What a selfish old man!
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/166-2.jpg"><img src=
"images/166-2.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
He himself rides in comfort, but lets his poor little boy follow as
best he can on his own legs!" So he made his Son get up behind him.
Further along the road they met some travellers, who asked the
Miller whether the Ass he was riding was his own property, or a
beast hired for the occasion.
<div class="figright"><a href="images/166-3.jpg"><img src=
"images/166-3.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
He replied that it was his own, and that he was taking it to market
to sell. "Good heavens!" said they, "with a load like that the poor
beast will be so exhausted by the time he gets there that no one
will look at him. Why, you'd do better to carry him!" "Anything to
please you," said the old man, "we can but try." So they got off,
tied the Ass's legs together with a rope and slung him on a pole,
and at last reached the town, carrying him between them. This was
so absurd a sight that the people ran out in crowds to laugh at it,
and chaffed the Father and Son unmercifully, some even calling them
lunatics.
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/167.jpg"><img src=
"images/167.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
They had then got to a bridge over the river, where the Ass,
frightened by the noise and his unusual situation, kicked and
struggled till he broke the ropes that bound him, and fell into the
water and was drowned. Whereupon the unfortunate Miller, vexed and
ashamed, made the best of his way home again, convinced that in
trying to please all he had pleased none, and had lost his Ass into
the bargain.<br>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_STAG_AND_THE_VINE"></a>
<h2>THE STAG AND THE VINE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover
of a thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his
hiding-place without being aware that he was anywhere near.
Supposing all danger to be over, he presently began to browse on
the leaves of the Vine. The movement drew the attention of the
returning huntsmen, and one of them, supposing some animal to be
hidden there, shot an arrow at a venture into the foliage. The
unlucky Stag was pierced to the heart, and, as he expired, he said,
"I deserve my fate for my treachery in feeding upon the leaves of
my protector."</p>
<p class="adage">Ingratitude sometimes brings its own
punishment.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LAMB_CHASED_BY_A_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf was chasing a Lamb, which took refuge in a temple. The
Wolf urged it to come out of the precincts, and said, "If you
don't, the priest is sure to catch you and offer you up in
sacrifice on the altar." To which the Lamb replied, "Thanks, I
think I'll stay where I am: I'd rather be sacrificed any day than
be eaten up by a Wolf."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ARCHER_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE ARCHER AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>An Archer went up into the hills to get some sport with his bow,
and all the animals fled at the sight of him with the exception of
the Lion, who stayed behind and challenged him to fight. But he
shot an arrow at the Lion and hit him, and said, "There, you see
what my messenger can do: just you wait a moment and I'll tackle
you myself." The Lion, however, when he felt the sting of the
arrow, ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A fox, who had
seen it all happen, said to the Lion, "Come, don't be a coward: why
don't you stay and show fight?" But the Lion replied, "You won't
get me to stay, not you: why, when he sends a messenger like that
before him, he must himself be a terrible fellow to deal with."</p>
<p class="adage">Give a wide berth to those who can do damage at a
distance.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_GOAT"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE GOAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wolf caught sight of a Goat browsing above him on the scanty
herbage that grew on the top of a steep rock; and being unable to
get at her, tried to induce her to come lower down. "You are
risking your life up there, madam, indeed you are," he called out:
"pray take my advice and come down here, where you will find plenty
of better food." The Goat turned a knowing eye upon him. "It's
little you care whether I get good grass or bad," said she: "what
you want is to eat me."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/170.jpg"
name="170"><img src="images/170t.jpg" alt=
"THE WOLF AND THE GOAT"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SICK_STAG"></a>
<h2>THE SICK STAG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Stag fell sick and lay in a clearing in the forest, too weak
to move from the spot. When the news of his illness spread, a
number of the other beasts came to inquire after his health, and
they one and all nibbled a little of the grass that grew round the
invalid till at last there was not a blade within his reach. In a
few days he began to mend, but was still too feeble to get up and
go in search of fodder; and thus he perished miserably of hunger
owing to the thoughtlessness of his friends.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_THE_MULE"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND THE MULE</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man who had an Ass and a Mule loaded them both up one
day and set out upon a journey. So long as the road was fairly
level, the Ass got on very well: but by and by they came to a place
among the hills where the road was very rough and steep, and the
Ass was at his last gasp. So he begged the Mule to relieve him of a
part of his load: but the Mule refused. At last, from sheer
weariness, the Ass stumbled and fell down a steep place and was
killed. The driver was in despair, but he did the best he could: he
added the Ass's load to the Mule's, and he also flayed the Ass and
put his skin on the top of the double load. The Mule could only
just manage the extra weight, and, as he staggered painfully along,
he said to himself, "I have only got what I deserved: if I had been
willing to help the Ass at first, I should not now be carrying his
load and his skin into the bargain."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="BROTHER_AND_SISTER"></a>
<h2>BROTHER AND SISTER</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man had two children, a boy and a girl: and the boy
was as good-looking as the girl was plain. One day, as they were
playing together in their mother's chamber, they chanced upon a
mirror and saw their own features for the first time. The boy saw
what a handsome fellow he was, and began to boast to his Sister
about his good looks: she, on her part, was ready to cry with
vexation when she was aware of her plainness, and took his remarks
as an insult to herself. Running to her father, she told him of her
Brother's conceit, and accused him of meddling with his mother's
things. He laughed and kissed them both, and said, "My children,
learn from now onwards to make a good use of the glass. You, my
boy, strive to be as good as it shows you to be handsome; and you,
my girl, resolve to make up for the plainness of your features by
the sweetness of your disposition."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HEIFER_AND_THE_OX"></a>
<h2>THE HEIFER AND THE OX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Heifer went up to an Ox, who was straining hard at the plough,
and sympathised with him in a rather patronising sort of way on the
necessity of his having to work so hard. Not long afterwards there
was a festival in the village and every one kept holiday: but,
whereas the Ox was turned loose into the pasture, the Heifer was
seized and led off to sacrifice. "Ah," said the Ox, with a grim
smile, "I see now why you were allowed to have such an idle time:
it was because you were always intended for the altar."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_KINGDOM_OF_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE KINGDOM OF THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>When the Lion reigned over the beasts of the earth he was never
cruel or tyrannical, but as gentle and just as a King ought to be.
During his reign he called a general assembly of the beasts, and
drew up a code of laws under which all were to live in perfect
equality and harmony: the wolf and the lamb, the tiger and the
stag, the leopard and the kid, the dog and the hare, all should
dwell side by side in unbroken peace and friendship. The hare said,
"Oh! how I have longed for this day when the weak take their place
without fear by the side of the strong!"</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/174.jpg"
name="174"><img src="images/174.jpg" alt=
"THE KINGDOM OF THE LION"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_HIS_DRIVER"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER</h2>
<br>
<p>An Ass was being driven down a mountain road, and after jogging
along for a while sensibly enough he suddenly quitted the track and
rushed to the edge of a precipice. He was just about to leap over
the edge when his Driver caught hold of his tail and did his best
to pull him back: but pull as he might he couldn't get the Ass to
budge from the brink. At last he gave up, crying, "All right, then,
get to the bottom your own way; but it's the way to sudden death,
as you'll find out quick enough."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_AND_THE_HARE"></a>
<h2>THE LION AND THE HARE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion found a Hare sleeping in her form, and was just going to
devour her when he caught sight of a passing stag. Dropping the
Hare, he at once made for the bigger game; but finding, after a
long chase, that he could not overtake the stag, he abandoned the
attempt and came back for the Hare. When he reached the spot,
however, he found she was nowhere to be seen, and he had to go
without his dinner. "It serves me right," he said; "I should have
been content with what I had got, instead of hankering after a
better prize."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLVES_AND_THE_DOGS"></a>
<h2>THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time the Wolves said to the Dogs, "Why should we
continue to be enemies any longer? You are very like us in most
ways: the main difference between us is one of training only. We
live a life of freedom; but you are enslaved to mankind, who beat
you, and put heavy collars round your necks, and compel you to keep
watch over their flocks and herds for them, and, to crown all, they
give you nothing but bones to eat. Don't put up with it any longer,
but hand over the flocks to us, and we will all live on the fat of
the land and feast together." The Dogs allowed themselves to be
persuaded by these words, and accompanied the Wolves into their
den. But no sooner were they well inside than the Wolves set upon
them and tore them to pieces.</p>
<p class="adage">Traitors richly deserve their fate.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BULL_AND_THE_CALF"></a>
<h2>THE BULL AND THE CALF</h2>
<br>
<p>A full-grown Bull was struggling to force his huge bulk through
the narrow entrance to a cow-house where his stall was, when a
young Calf came up and said to him, "If you'll step aside a moment,
I'll show you the way to get through." The Bull turned upon him an
amused look. "I knew that way," said he, "before you were
born."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TREES_AND_THE_AXE"></a>
<h2>THE TREES AND THE AXE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Woodman went into the forest and begged of the Trees the
favour of a handle for his Axe. The principal Trees at once agreed
to so modest a request, and unhesitatingly gave him a young ash
sapling, out of which he fashioned the handle he desired. No sooner
had he done so than he set to work to fell the noblest Trees in the
wood. When they saw the use to which he was putting their gift,
they cried, "Alas! alas! We are undone, but we are ourselves to
blame. The little we gave has cost us all: had we not sacrificed
the rights of the ash, we might ourselves have stood for ages."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/11trees.jpg" name="11trees"><img src="images/11-ttrees.jpg"
alt="THE TREES AND THE AXE"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASTRONOMER"></a>
<h2>THE ASTRONOMER</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once an Astronomer whose habit it was to go out at
night and observe the stars. One night, as he was walking about
outside the town gates, gazing up absorbed into the sky and not
looking where he was going, he fell into a dry well. As he lay
there groaning, some one passing by heard him, and, coming to the
edge of the well, looked down and, on learning what had happened,
said, "If you really mean to say that you were looking so hard at
the sky that you didn't even see where your feet were carrying you
along the ground, it appears to me that you deserve all you've
got."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LABOURER_AND_THE_SNAKE"></a>
<h2>THE LABOURER AND THE SNAKE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Labourer's little son was bitten by a Snake and died of the
wound. The father was beside himself with grief, and in his anger
against the Snake he caught up an axe and went and stood close to
the Snake's hole, and watched for a chance of killing it. Presently
the Snake came out, and the man aimed a blow at it, but only
succeeded in cutting off the tip of its tail before it wriggled in
again. He then tried to get it to come out a second time,
pretending that he wished to make up the quarrel. But the Snake
said, "I can never be your friend because of my lost tail, nor you
mine because of your lost child."</p>
<p class="adage">Injuries are never forgotten in the presence of
those who caused them.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CAGE-BIRD_AND_THE_BAT"></a>
<h2>THE CAGE-BIRD AND THE BAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Singing-bird was confined in a cage which hung outside a
window, and had a way of singing at night when all other birds were
asleep. One night a Bat came and clung to the bars of the cage, and
asked the Bird why she was silent by day and sang only at night. "I
have a very good reason for doing so," said the Bird: "it was once
when I was singing in the daytime that a fowler was attracted by my
voice, and set his nets for me and caught me. Since then I have
never sung except by night." But the Bat replied, "It is no use
your doing that now when you are a prisoner: if only you had done
so before you were caught, you might still have been free."</p>
<p class="adage">Precautions are useless after the event.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_HIS_PURCHASER"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND HIS PURCHASER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming
across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he
should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was
like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with
the other asses. The newcomer took a look round, and immediately
went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in
the stable. When the master saw this he put a halter on him at
once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again. The
latter was a good deal surprised to see him back so soon, and said,
"Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already?" "I don't
want to put him through any more tests," replied the other: "I
could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for
himself."</p>
<p class="adage">A man is known by the company he keeps.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_KID_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE KID AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/180.jpg" name="180"><img src=
"images/180t.jpg" alt="THE KID AND THE WOLF"></a></div>
<p>A Kid strayed from the flock and was chased by a Wolf. When he
saw he must be caught he turned round and said to the Wolf, "I
know, sir, that I can't escape being eaten by you: and so, as my
life is bound to be short, I pray you let it be as merry as may be.
Will you not play me a tune to dance to before I die?" The Wolf saw
no objection to having some music before his dinner: so he took out
his pipe and began to play, while the Kid danced before him. Before
many minutes were passed the gods who guarded the flock heard the
sound and came up to see what was going on. They no sooner clapped
eyes on the Wolf than they gave chase and drove him away. As he ran
off, he turned and said to the Kid, "It's what I thoroughly
deserve: my trade is the butcher's, and I had no business to turn
piper to please you."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DEBTOR_AND_HIS_SOW"></a>
<h2>THE DEBTOR AND HIS SOW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man of Athens fell into debt and was pressed for the money by
his creditor; but he had no means of paying at the time, so he
begged for delay. But the creditor refused and said he must pay at
once. Then the Debtor fetched a Sow&mdash;the only one he
had&mdash;and took her to market to offer her for sale. It happened
that his creditor was there too. Presently a buyer came along and
asked if the Sow produced good litters. "Yes," said the Debtor,
"very fine ones; and the remarkable thing is that she produces
females at the Mysteries and males at the Panathenea." (Festivals
these were: and the Athenians always sacrifice a sow at one, and a
boar at the other; while at the Dionysia they sacrifice a kid.) At
that the creditor, who was standing by, put in, "Don't be
surprised, sir; why, still better, at the Dionysia this Sow has
kids!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BALD_HUNTSMAN"></a>
<h2>THE BALD HUNTSMAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man who had lost all his hair took to wearing a wig, and one
day he went out hunting. It was blowing rather hard at the time,
and he hadn't gone far before a gust of wind caught his hat and
carried it off, and his wig too, much to the amusement of the hunt.
But he quite entered into the joke, and said, "Ah, well! the hair
that wig is made of didn't stick to the head on which it grew; so
it's no wonder it won't stick to mine."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HERDSMAN_AND_THE_LOST_BULL"></a>
<h2>THE HERDSMAN AND THE LOST BULL</h2>
<br>
<p>A Herdsman was tending his cattle when he missed a young Bull,
one of the finest of the herd. He went at once to look for him,
but, meeting with no success in his search, he made a vow that, if
he should discover the thief, he would sacrifice a calf to Jupiter.
Continuing his search, he entered a thicket, where he presently
espied a lion devouring the lost Bull. Terrified with fear, he
raised his hands to heaven and cried, "Great Jupiter, I vowed I
would sacrifice a calf to thee if I should discover the thief: but
now a full-grown Bull I promise thee if only I myself escape unhurt
from his clutches."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/183-1.jpg" name="183-1"><img src="images/183-1.jpg" alt=
"THE MULE"></a></div>
<a name="THE_MULE"></a>
<h2>THE MULE</h2>
<br>
<p>One morning a Mule, who had too much to eat and too little to
do, began to think himself a very fine fellow indeed, and frisked
about saying, "My father was undoubtedly a high-spirited horse and
I take after him entirely." But very soon afterwards he was put
into the harness and compelled to go a very long way with a heavy
load behind him. At the end of the day, exhausted by his unusual
exertions, he said dejectedly to himself, "I must have been
mistaken about my father; he can only have been an ass after
all."</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/183-2.jpg" name="183-2"><img src="images/183-2.jpg" alt=
""></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HOUND_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE HOUND AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hound, roaming in the forest, spied a lion, and being well
used to lesser game, gave chase, thinking he would make a fine
quarry. Presently the lion perceived that he was being pursued; so,
stopping short, he rounded on his pursuer and gave a loud roar. The
Hound immediately turned tail and fled. A Fox, seeing him running
away, jeered at him and said, "Ho! ho! There goes the coward who
chased a lion and ran away the moment he roared!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FATHER_AND_HIS_DAUGHTERS"></a>
<h2>THE FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTERS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man had two Daughters, one of whom he gave in marriage to a
gardener, and the other to a potter. After a time he thought he
would go and see how they were getting on; and first he went to the
gardener's wife. He asked her how she was, and how things were
going with herself and her husband. She replied that on the whole
they were doing very well: "But," she continued, "I do wish we
could have some good heavy rain: the garden wants it badly." Then
he went on to the potter's wife and made the same inquiries of her.
She replied that she and her husband had nothing to complain of:
"But," she went on, "I do wish we could have some nice dry weather,
to dry the pottery." Her Father looked at her with a humorous
expression on his face. "You want dry weather," he said, "and your
sister wants rain. I was going to ask in my prayers that your
wishes should be granted; but now it strikes me I had better not
refer to the subject."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_THIEF_AND_THE_INNKEEPER"></a>
<h2>THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Thief hired a room at an inn, and stayed there some days on
the look-out for something to steal. No opportunity, however,
presented itself, till one day, when there was a festival to be
celebrated, the Innkeeper appeared in a fine new coat and sat down
before the door of the inn for an airing. The Thief no sooner set
eyes upon the coat than he longed to get possession of it. There
was no business doing, so he went and took a seat by the side of
the Innkeeper, and began talking to him. They conversed together
for some time, and then the Thief suddenly yawned and howled like a
wolf. The Innkeeper asked him in some concern what ailed him. The
Thief replied, "I will tell you about myself, sir, but first I must
beg you to take charge of my clothes for me, for I intend to leave
them with you. Why I have these fits of yawning I cannot tell:
maybe they are sent as a punishment for my misdeeds; but, whatever
the reason, the facts are that when I have yawned three times I
become a ravening wolf and fly at men's throats." As he finished
speaking he yawned a second time and howled again as before. The
Innkeeper, believing every word he said, and terrified at the
prospect of being confronted with a wolf, got up hastily and
started to run indoors; but the Thief caught him by the coat and
tried to stop him, crying, "Stay, sir, stay, and take charge of my
clothes, or else I shall never see them again." As he spoke he
opened his mouth and began to yawn for the third time. The
Innkeeper, mad with the fear of being eaten by a wolf, slipped out
of his coat, which remained in the other's hands, and bolted into
the inn and locked the door behind him; and the Thief then quietly
stole off with his spoil.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PACK-ASS_AND_THE_WILD_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wild Ass, who was wandering idly about, one day came upon a
Pack-Ass lying at full length in a sunny spot and thoroughly
enjoying himself. Going up to him, he said, "What a lucky beast you
are! Your sleek coat shows how well you live: how I envy you!" Not
long after the Wild Ass saw his acquaintance again, but this time
he was carrying a heavy load, and his driver was following behind
and beating him with a thick stick. "Ah, my friend," said the Wild
Ass, "I don't envy you any more: for I see you pay dear for your
comforts."</p>
<p class="adage">Advantages that are dearly bought are doubtful
blessings.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_HIS_MASTERS"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Gardener had an Ass which had a very hard time of it, what
with scanty food, heavy loads, and constant beating. The Ass
therefore begged Jupiter to take him away from the Gardener and
hand him over to another master. So Jupiter sent Mercury to the
Gardener to bid him sell the Ass to a Potter, which he did. But the
Ass was as discontented as ever, for he had to work harder than
before: so he begged Jupiter for relief a second time, and Jupiter
very obligingly arranged that he should be sold to a Tanner. But
when the Ass saw what his new master's trade was, he cried in
despair, "Why wasn't I content to serve either of my former
masters, hard as I had to work and badly as I was treated? for they
would have buried me decently, but now I shall come in the end to
the tanning-vat."</p>
<p class="adage">Servants don't know a good master till they have
served a worse.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PACK-ASS,_THE_WILD_ASS,_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE PACK-ASS, THE WILD ASS, AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wild Ass saw a Pack-Ass jogging along under a heavy load, and
taunted him with the condition of slavery in which he lived, in
these words: "What a vile lot is yours compared with mine! I am
free as the air, and never do a stroke of work; and, as for fodder,
I have only to go to the hills and there I find far more than
enough for my needs. But you! you depend on your master for food,
and he makes you carry heavy loads every day and beats you
unmercifully." At that moment a Lion appeared on the scene, and
made no attempt to molest the Pack-Ass owing to the presence of the
driver; but he fell upon the Wild Ass, who had no one to protect
him, and without more ado made a meal of him.</p>
<p class="adage">It is no use being your own master unless you can
stand up for yourself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ANT"></a>
<h2>THE ANT</h2>
<br>
<p>Ants were once men and made their living by tilling the soil.
But, not content with the results of their own work, they were
always casting longing eyes upon the crops and fruits of their
neighbours, which they stole, whenever they got the chance, and
added to their own store. At last their covetousness made Jupiter
so angry that he changed them into Ants. But, though their forms
were changed, their nature remained the same: and so, to this day,
they go about among the cornfields and gather the fruits of others'
labour, and store them up for their own use.</p>
<p class="adage">You may punish a thief, but his bent remains.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FROGS_AND_THE_WELL"></a>
<h2>THE FROGS AND THE WELL</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/190.jpg" name="190"><img src=
"images/190t.jpg" alt="THE FROGS AND THE WELL"></a></div>
<p>Two Frogs lived together in a marsh. But one hot summer the
marsh dried up, and they left it to look for another place to live
in: for frogs like damp places if they can get them. By and by they
came to a deep well, and one of them looked down into it, and said
to the other, "This looks a nice cool place: let us jump in and
settle here." But the other, who had a wiser head on his shoulders,
replied, "Not so fast, my friend: supposing this well dried up like
the marsh, how should we get out again?"</p>
<p class="adage">Think twice before you act.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CRAB_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE CRAB AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Crab once left the sea-shore and went and settled in a meadow
some way inland, which looked very nice and green and seemed likely
to be a good place to feed in. But a hungry Fox came along and
spied the Crab and caught him. Just as he was going to be eaten up,
the Crab said, "This is just what I deserve; for I had no business
to leave my natural home by the sea and settle here as though I
belonged to the land."</p>
<p class="adage">Be content with your lot.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_GRASSHOPPER"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE GRASSHOPPER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Grasshopper sat chirping in the branches of a tree. A Fox
heard her, and, thinking what a dainty morsel she would make, he
tried to get her down by a trick. Standing below in full view of
her, he praised her song in the most flattering terms, and begged
her to descend, saying he would like to make the acquaintance of
the owner of so beautiful a voice. But she was not to be taken in,
and replied, "You are very much mistaken, my dear sir, if you
imagine I am going to come down: I keep well out of the way of you
and your kind ever since the day when I saw numbers of
grasshoppers' wings strewn about the entrance to a fox's
earth."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER,_HIS_BOY,_AND_THE_ROOKS"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer had just sown a field of wheat, and was keeping a
careful watch over it, for numbers of Rooks and starlings kept
continually settling on it and eating up the grain. Along with him
went his Boy, carrying a sling: and whenever the Farmer asked for
the sling the starlings understood what he said and warned the
Rooks and they were off in a moment. So the Farmer hit on a trick.
"My lad," said he, "we must get the better of these birds somehow.
After this, when I want the sling, I won't say 'sling,' but just
'humph!' and you must then hand me the sling quickly." Presently
back came the whole flock. "Humph!" said the Farmer; but the
starlings took no notice, and he had time to sling several stones
among them, hitting one on the head, another in the legs, and
another in the wing, before they got out of range. As they made all
haste away they met some cranes, who asked them what the matter
was. "Matter?" said one of the Rooks; "it's those rascals, men,
that are the matter. Don't you go near them. They have a way of
saying one thing and meaning another which has just been the death
of several of our poor friends."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_AND_THE_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE ASS AND THE DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>An Ass and a Dog were on their travels together, and, as they
went along, they found a sealed packet lying on the ground. The Ass
picked it up, broke the seal, and found it contained some writing,
which he proceeded to read out aloud to the Dog. As he read on it
turned out to be all about grass and barley and hay&mdash;in short,
all the kinds of fodder that Asses are fond of. The Dog was a good
deal bored with listening to all this, till at last his impatience
got the better of him, and he cried, "Just skip a few pages,
friend, and see if there isn't something about meat and bones." The
Ass glanced all through the packet, but found nothing of the sort,
and said so. Then the Dog said in disgust, "Oh, throw it away, do:
what's the good of a thing like that?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ASS_CARRYING_THE_IMAGE"></a>
<h2>THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man put an Image on the back of his Ass to take it to
one of the temples of the town. As they went along the road all the
people they met uncovered and bowed their heads out of reverence
for the Image; but the Ass thought they were doing it out of
respect for himself, and began to give himself airs accordingly. At
last he became so conceited that he imagined he could do as he
liked, and, by way of protest against the load he was carrying, he
came to a full stop and flatly declined to proceed any further. His
driver, finding him so obstinate, hit him hard and long with his
stick, saying the while, "Oh, you dunder-headed idiot, do you
suppose it's come to this, that men pay worship to an Ass?"</p>
<p class="adage">Rude shocks await those who take to themselves the
credit that is due to others.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ATHENIAN_AND_THE_THEBAN"></a>
<h2>THE ATHENIAN AND THE THEBAN</h2>
<br>
<p>An Athenian and a Theban were on the road together, and passed
the time in conversation, as is the way of travellers. After
discussing a variety of subjects they began to talk about heroes, a
topic that tends to be more fertile than edifying. Each of them was
lavish in his praises of the heroes of his own city, until
eventually the Theban asserted that Hercules was the greatest hero
who had ever lived on earth, and now occupied a foremost place
among the gods; while the Athenian insisted that Theseus was far
superior, for his fortune had been in every way supremely blessed,
whereas Hercules had at one time been forced to act as a servant.
And he gained his point, for he was a very glib fellow, like all
Athenians; so that the Theban, who was no match for him in talking,
cried at last in some disgust, "All right, have your way; I only
hope that, when our heroes are angry with us, Athens may suffer
from the anger of Hercules, and Thebes only from that of
Theseus."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GOATHERD_AND_THE_GOAT"></a>
<h2>THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT</h2>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/196.jpg" name="196"><img src=
"images/196t.jpg" alt="THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT"></a></div>
<p>A Goatherd was one day gathering his flock to return to the
fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest.
He tried for a long time to get her to return by calling and
whistling to her, but the Goat took no notice of him at all; so at
last he threw a stone at her and broke one of her horns. In dismay,
he begged her not to tell his master: but she replied, "You silly
fellow, my horn would cry aloud even if I held my tongue."</p>
<p class="adage">It's no use trying to hide what can't be
hidden.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SHEEP_AND_THE_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE SHEEP AND THE DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time the Sheep complained to the shepherd about the
difference in his treatment of themselves and his Dog. "Your
conduct," said they, "is very strange and, we think, very unfair.
We provide you with wool and lambs and milk and you give us nothing
but grass, and even that we have to find for ourselves: but you get
nothing at all from the Dog, and yet you feed him with tit-bits
from your own table." Their remarks were overheard by the Dog, who
spoke up at once and said, "Yes, and quite right, too: where would
you be if it wasn't for me? Thieves would steal you! Wolves would
eat you! Indeed, if I didn't keep constant watch over you, you
would be too terrified even to graze!" The Sheep were obliged to
acknowledge that he spoke the truth, and never again made a
grievance of the regard in which he was held by his master.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SHEPHERD_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Shepherd found a Wolf's Cub straying in the pastures, and took
him home and reared him along with his dogs. When the Cub grew to
his full size, if ever a wolf stole a sheep from the flock, he used
to join the dogs in hunting him down. It sometimes happened that
the dogs failed to come up with the thief, and, abandoning the
pursuit, returned home. The Wolf would on such occasions continue
the chase by himself, and when he overtook the culprit, would stop
and share the feast with him, and then return to the Shepherd. But
if some time passed without a sheep being carried off by the
wolves, he would steal one himself and share his plunder with the
dogs. The Shepherd's suspicions were aroused, and one day he caught
him in the act; and, fastening a rope round his neck, hung him on
the nearest tree.</p>
<p class="adage">What's bred in the bone is sure to come out in the
flesh.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION,_JUPITER,_AND_THE_ELEPHANT"></a>
<h2>THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT</h2>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/12lion.jpg" name=
"12lion"><img src="images/12-tlion.jpg" alt=
"THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT"></a></div>
<p>The Lion, for all his size and strength, and his sharp teeth and
claws, is a coward in one thing: he can't bear the sound of a cock
crowing, and runs away whenever he hears it. He complained bitterly
to Jupiter for making him like that; but Jupiter said it wasn't his
fault: he had done the best he could for him, and, considering this
was his only failing, he ought to be well content. The Lion,
however, wouldn't be comforted, and was so ashamed of his timidity
that he wished he might die. In this state of mind, he met the
Elephant and had a talk with him. He noticed that the great beast
cocked up his ears all the time, as if he were listening for
something, and he asked him why he did so. Just then a gnat came
humming by, and the Elephant said, "Do you see that wretched little
buzzing insect? I'm terribly afraid of its getting into my ear: if
it once gets in, I'm dead and done for." The Lion's spirits rose at
once when he heard this: "For," he said to himself, "if the
Elephant, huge as he is, is afraid of a gnat, I needn't be so much
ashamed of being afraid of a cock, who is ten thousand times bigger
than a gnat."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PIG_AND_THE_SHEEP"></a>
<h2>THE PIG AND THE SHEEP</h2>
<br>
<p>A Pig found his way into a meadow where a flock of Sheep were
grazing. The shepherd caught him, and was proceeding to carry him
off to the butcher's when he set up a loud squealing and struggled
to get free. The Sheep rebuked him for making such a to-do, and
said to him, "The shepherd catches us regularly and drags us off
just like that, and we don't make any fuss." "No, I dare say not,"
replied the Pig, "but my case and yours are altogether different:
he only wants you for wool, but he wants me for bacon."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GARDENER_AND_HIS_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Gardner's Dog fell into a deep well, from which his master
used to draw water for the plants in his garden with a rope and a
bucket. Failing to get the Dog out by means of these, the Gardener
went down into the well himself in order to fetch him up. But the
Dog thought he had come to make sure of drowning him; so he bit his
master as soon as he came within reach, and hurt him a good deal,
with the result that he left the Dog to his fate and climbed out of
the well, remarking, "It serves me quite right for trying to save
so determined a suicide."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_RIVERS_AND_THE_SEA"></a>
<h2>THE RIVERS AND THE SEA</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time all the Rivers combined to protest against the
action of the Sea in making their waters salt. "When we come to
you," said they to the Sea, "we are sweet and drinkable: but when
once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and
unpalatable as your own." The Sea replied shortly, "Keep away from
me and you'll remain sweet."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION_IN_LOVE"></a>
<h2>THE LION IN LOVE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion fell deeply in love with the daughter of a cottager and
wanted to marry her; but her father was unwilling to give her to so
fearsome a husband, and yet didn't want to offend the Lion; so he
hit upon the following expedient. He went to the Lion and said, "I
think you will make a very good husband for my daughter: but I
cannot consent to your union unless you let me draw your teeth and
pare your nails, for my daughter is terribly afraid of them." The
Lion was so much in love that he readily agreed that this should be
done. When once, however, he was thus disarmed, the Cottager was
afraid of him no longer, but drove him away with his club.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BEE-KEEPER"></a>
<h2>THE BEE-KEEPER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Thief found his way into an apiary when the Bee-keeper was
away, and stole all the honey. When the Keeper returned and found
the hives empty, he was very much upset and stood staring at them
for some time. Before long the bees came back from gathering honey,
and, finding their hives overturned and the Keeper standing by,
they made for him with their stings. At this he fell into a passion
and cried, "You ungrateful scoundrels, you let the thief who stole
my honey get off scot-free, and then you go and sting me who have
always taken such care of you!"</p>
<p class="adage">When you hit back make sure you have got the right
man.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_THE_HORSE"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND THE HORSE</h2>
<br>
<div class="figleft"><a href="images/204.jpg" name="204"><img src=
"images/204t.jpg" alt="THE WOLF AND THE HORSE"></a></div>
<p>A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being
able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came
along. "Look," said the Wolf, "here's a fine field of oats. For
your sake I have left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the
sound of your teeth munching the ripe grain." But the Horse
replied, "If wolves could eat oats, my fine friend, you would
hardly have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly."</p>
<p class="adage">There is no virtue in giving to others what is
useless to oneself.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BAT,_THE_BRAMBLE,_AND_THE_SEAGULL"></a>
<h2>THE BAT, THE BRAMBLE, AND THE SEAGULL</h2>
<br>
<p>A Bat, a Bramble, and a Seagull went into partnership and
determined to go on a trading voyage together. The Bat borrowed a
sum of money for his venture; the Bramble laid in a stock of
clothes of various kinds; and the Seagull took a quantity of lead:
and so they set out. By and by a great storm came on, and their
boat with all the cargo went to the bottom, but the three
travellers managed to reach land. Ever since then the Seagull flies
to and fro over the sea, and every now and then dives below the
surface, looking for the lead he's lost; while the Bat is so afraid
of meeting his creditors that he hides away by day and only comes
out at night to feed; and the Bramble catches hold of the clothes
of every one who passes by, hoping some day to recognise and
recover the lost garments.</p>
<p class="adage">All men are more concerned to recover what they
lose than to acquire what they lack.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE DOG AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Dog was lying in the sun before a farmyard gate when a Wolf
pounced upon him and was just going to eat him up; but he begged
for his life and said, "You see how thin I am and what a wretched
meal I should make you now: but if you will only wait a few days my
master is going to give a feast. All the rich scraps and pickings
will fall to me and I shall get nice and fat: then will be the time
for you to eat me." The Wolf thought this was a very good plan and
went away. Some time afterwards he came to the farmyard again, and
found the Dog lying out of reach on the stable roof. "Come down,"
he called, "and be eaten: you remember our agreement?" But the Dog
said coolly, "My friend, if ever you catch me lying down by the
gate there again, don't you wait for any feast."</p>
<p class="adage">Once bitten, twice shy.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WASP_AND_THE_SNAKE"></a>
<h2>THE WASP AND THE SNAKE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Wasp settled on the head of a Snake, and not only stung him
several times, but clung obstinately to the head of his victim.
Maddened with pain the Snake tried every means he could think of to
get rid of the creature, but without success. At last he became
desperate, and crying, "Kill you I will, even at the cost of my own
life," he laid his head with the Wasp on it under the wheel of a
passing waggon, and they both perished together.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_BEETLE"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE</h2>
<br>
<p>An Eagle was chasing a hare, which was running for dear life and
was at her wits' end to know where to turn for help. Presently she
espied a Beetle, and begged it to aid her. So when the Eagle came
up the Beetle warned her not to touch the hare, which was under its
protection. But the Eagle never noticed the Beetle because it was
so small, seized the hare and ate her up. The Beetle never forgot
this, and used to keep an eye on the Eagle's nest, and whenever the
Eagle laid an egg it climbed up and rolled it out of the nest and
broke it. At last the Eagle got so worried over the loss of her
eggs that she went up to Jupiter, who is the special protector of
Eagles, and begged him to give her a safe place to nest in: so he
let her lay her eggs in his lap. But the Beetle noticed this and
made a ball of dirt the size of an Eagle's egg, and flew up and
deposited it in Jupiter's lap. When Jupiter saw the dirt, he stood
up to shake it out of his robe, and, forgetting about the eggs, he
shook them out too, and they were broken just as before. Ever since
then, they say, Eagles never lay their eggs at the season when
Beetles are about.</p>
<p class="adage">The weak will sometimes find ways to avenge an
insult, even upon the strong.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOWLER_AND_THE_LARK"></a>
<h2>THE FOWLER AND THE LARK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fowler was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came
up to him and asked him what he was doing. "I am engaged in
founding a city," said he, and with that he withdrew to a short
distance and concealed himself. The Lark examined the nets with
great curiosity, and presently, catching sight of the bait, hopped
on to them in order to secure it, and became entangled in the
meshes. The Fowler then ran up quickly and captured her. "What a
fool I was!" said she: "but at any rate, if that's the kind of city
you are founding, it'll be a long time before you find fools enough
to fill it."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FISHERMAN_PIPING"></a>
<h2>THE FISHERMAN PIPING</h2>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/210.jpg" name="210"><img src=
"images/210t.jpg" alt="THE FISHERMAN PIPING"></a></div>
<p>A Fisherman who could play the flute went down one day to the
sea-shore with his nets and his flute; and, taking his stand on a
projecting rock, began to play a tune, thinking that the music
would bring the fish jumping out of the sea. He went on playing for
some time, but not a fish appeared: so at last he threw down his
flute and cast his net into the sea, and made a great haul of fish.
When they were landed and he saw them leaping about on the shore,
he cried, "You rascals! you wouldn't dance when I piped: but now
I've stopped, you can do nothing else!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WEASEL_AND_THE_MAN"></a>
<h2>THE WEASEL AND THE MAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once caught a Weasel, which was always sneaking about the
house, and was just going to drown it in a tub of water, when it
begged hard for its life, and said to him, "Surely you haven't the
heart to put me to death? Think how useful I have been in clearing
your house of the mice and lizards which used to infest it, and
show your gratitude by sparing my life." "You have not been
altogether useless, I grant you," said the Man: "but who killed the
fowls? Who stole the meat? No, no! You do much more harm than good,
and die you shall."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PLOUGHMAN,_THE_ASS,_AND_THE_OX"></a>
<h2>THE PLOUGHMAN, THE ASS, AND THE OX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Ploughman yoked his Ox and his Ass together, and set to work
to plough his field. It was a poor makeshift of a team, but it was
the best he could do, as he had but a single Ox. At the end of the
day, when the beasts were loosed from the yoke, the Ass said to the
Ox, "Well, we've had a hard day: which of us is to carry the master
home?" The Ox looked surprised at the question. "Why," said he,
"you, to be sure, as usual."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="DEMADES_AND_HIS_FABLE"></a>
<h2>DEMADES AND HIS FABLE</h2>
<br>
<p>Demades the orator was once speaking in the Assembly at Athens;
but the people were very inattentive to what he was saying, so he
stopped and said, "Gentlemen, I should like to tell you one of
Aesop's fables." This made every one listen intently. Then Demades
began: "Demeter, a Swallow, and an Eel were once travelling
together, and came to a river without a bridge: the Swallow flew
over it, and the Eel swam across"; and then he stopped. "What
happened to Demeter?" cried several people in the audience.
"Demeter," he replied, "is very angry with you for listening to
fables when you ought to be minding public business."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MONKEY_AND_THE_DOLPHIN"></a>
<h2>THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN</h2>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/213.jpg" name="213"><img src=
"images/213.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<p>When people go on a voyage they often take with them lap-dogs or
monkeys as pets to wile away the time. Thus it fell out that a man
returning to Athens from the East had a pet Monkey on board with
him. As they neared the coast of Attica a great storm burst upon
them, and the ship capsized. All on board were thrown into the
water, and tried to save themselves by swimming, the Monkey among
the rest. A Dolphin saw him, and, supposing him to be a man, took
him on his back and began swimming towards the shore. When they got
near the Piraeus, which is the port of Athens, the Dolphin asked
the Monkey if he was an Athenian. The Monkey replied that he was,
and added that he came of a very distinguished family. "Then, of
course, you know the Piraeus," continued the Dolphin. The Monkey
thought he was referring to some high official or other, and
replied, "Oh, yes, he's a very old friend of mine." At that,
detecting his hypocrisy, the Dolphin was so disgusted that he dived
below the surface, and the unfortunate Monkey was quickly
drowned.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/214.jpg"
name="214"><img src="images/214.jpg" alt=
"THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CROW_AND_THE_SNAKE"></a>
<h2>THE CROW AND THE SNAKE</h2>
<br>
<p>A hungry Crow spied a Snake lying asleep in a sunny spot, and,
picking it up in his claws, he was carrying it off to a place where
he could make a meal of it without being disturbed, when the Snake
reared its head and bit him. It was a poisonous Snake, and the bite
was fatal, and the dying Crow said, "What a cruel fate is mine! I
thought I had made a lucky find, and it has cost me my life!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOGS_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE DOGS AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>Some Dogs once found a lion's skin, and were worrying it with
their teeth. Just then a Fox came by, and said, "You think
yourselves very brave, no doubt; but if that were a live lion you'd
find his claws a good deal sharper than your teeth."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_NIGHTINGALE_AND_THE_HAWK"></a>
<h2>THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE HAWK</h2>
<br>
<p>A Nightingale was sitting on a bough of an oak and singing, as
her custom was. A hungry Hawk presently spied her, and darting to
the spot seized her in his talons. He was just about to tear her in
pieces when she begged him to spare her life: "I'm not big enough,"
she pleaded, "to make you a good meal: you ought to seek your prey
among the bigger birds." The Hawk eyed her with some contempt. "You
must think me very simple," said he, "if you suppose I am going to
give up a certain prize on the chance of a better of which I see at
present no signs."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ROSE_AND_THE_AMARANTH"></a>
<h2>THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH</h2>
<br>
<p>A Rose and an Amaranth blossomed side by side in a garden, and
the Amaranth said to her neighbour, "How I envy you your beauty and
your sweet scent! No wonder you are such a universal favourite."
But the Rose replied with a shade of sadness in her voice, "Ah, my
dear friend, I bloom but for a time: my petals soon wither and
fall, and then I die. But your flowers never fade, even if they are
cut; for they are everlasting."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MAN,_THE_HORSE,_THE_OX,_AND_THE_DOG"></a>
<h2>THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE OX, AND THE DOG</h2>
<br>
<p>One winter's day, during a severe storm, a Horse, an Ox, and a
Dog came and begged for shelter in the house of a Man. He readily
admitted them, and, as they were cold and wet, he lit a fire for
their comfort: and he put oats before the Horse, and hay before the
Ox, while he fed the Dog with the remains of his own dinner. When
the storm abated, and they were about to depart, they determined to
show their gratitude in the following way. They divided the life of
Man among them, and each endowed one part of it with the qualities
which were peculiarly his own. The Horse took youth, and hence
young men are high-mettled and impatient of restraint; the Ox took
middle age, and accordingly men in middle life are steady and
hard-working; while the Dog took old age, which is the reason why
old men are so often peevish and ill-tempered, and, like dogs,
attached chiefly to those who look to their comfort, while they are
disposed to snap at those who are unfamiliar or distasteful to
them.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLVES,_THE_SHEEP,_AND_THE_RAM"></a>
<h2>THE WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM</h2>
<br>
<p>The Wolves sent a deputation to the Sheep with proposals for a
lasting peace between them, on condition of their giving up the
sheep-dogs to instant death. The foolish Sheep agreed to the terms;
but an old Ram, whose years had brought him wisdom, interfered and
said, "How can we expect to live at peace with you? Why, even with
the dogs at hand to protect us, we are never secure from your
murderous attacks!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SWAN"></a>
<h2>THE SWAN</h2>
<br>
<p>The Swan is said to sing but once in its life&mdash;when it
knows that it is about to die. A certain man, who had heard of the
song of the Swan, one day saw one of these birds for sale in the
market, and bought it and took it home with him. A few days later
he had some friends to dinner, and produced the Swan, and bade it
sing for their entertainment: but the Swan remained silent. In
course of time, when it was growing old, it became aware of its
approaching end and broke into a sweet, sad song. When its owner
heard it, he said angrily, "If the creature only sings when it is
about to die, what a fool I was that day I wanted to hear its song!
I ought to have wrung its neck instead of merely inviting it to
sing."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SNAKE_AND_JUPITER"></a>
<h2>THE SNAKE AND JUPITER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Snake suffered a good deal from being constantly trodden upon
by man and beast, owing partly to the length of his body and partly
to his being unable to raise himself above the surface of the
ground: so he went and complained to Jupiter about the risks to
which he was exposed. But Jupiter had little sympathy for him. "I
dare say," said he, "that if you had bitten the first that trod on
you, the others would have taken more trouble to look where they
put their feet."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOLF_AND_HIS_SHADOW"></a>
<h2>THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW</h2>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/220.jpg"
name="220"><img src="images/220.jpg" alt=
"THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW"></a></div>
<p>A Wolf, who was roaming about on the plain when the sun was
getting low in the sky, was much impressed by the size of his
shadow, and said to himself, "I had no idea I was so big. Fancy my
being afraid of a lion! Why, I, not he, ought to be King of the
beasts"; and, heedless of danger, he strutted about as if there
could be no doubt at all about it. Just then a lion sprang upon him
and began to devour him. "Alas," he cried, "had I not lost sight of
the facts, I shouldn't have been ruined by my fancies."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PLOUGHMAN_AND_THE_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE PLOUGHMAN AND THE WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Ploughman loosed his oxen from the plough, and led them away
to the water to drink. While he was absent a half-starved Wolf
appeared on the scene, and went up to the plough and began chewing
the leather straps attached to the yoke. As he gnawed away
desperately in the hope of satisfying his craving for food, he
somehow got entangled in the harness, and, taking fright, struggled
to get free, tugging at the traces as if he would drag the plough
along with him. Just then the Ploughman came back, and seeing what
was happening, he cried, "Ah, you old rascal, I wish you would give
up thieving for good and take to honest work instead."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="MERCURY_AND_THE_MAN_BITTEN_BY_AN_ANT"></a>
<h2>MERCURY AND THE MAN BITTEN BY AN ANT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once saw a ship go down with all its crew, and commented
severely on the injustice of the gods. "They care nothing for a
man's character," said he, "but let the good and the bad go to
their deaths together." There was an ant-heap close by where he was
standing, and, just as he spoke, he was bitten in the foot by an
Ant. Turning in a temper to the ant-heap he stamped upon it and
crushed hundreds of unoffending ants. Suddenly Mercury appeared,
and belaboured him with his staff, saying as he did so, "You
villain, where's your nice sense of justice now?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WILY_LION"></a>
<h2>THE WILY LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion watched a fat Bull feeding in a meadow, and his mouth
watered when he thought of the royal feast he would make, but he
did not dare to attack him, for he was afraid of his sharp horns.
Hunger, however, presently compelled him to do something: and as
the use of force did not promise success, he determined to resort
to artifice. Going up to the Bull in friendly fashion, he said to
him, "I cannot help saying how much I admire your magnificent
figure. What a fine head! What powerful shoulders and thighs! But,
my dear friend, what in the world makes you wear those ugly horns?
You must find them as awkward as they are unsightly. Believe me,
you would do much better without them." The Bull was foolish enough
to be persuaded by this flattery to have his horns cut off; and,
having now lost his only means of defence, fell an easy prey to the
Lion.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PARROT_AND_THE_CAT"></a>
<h2>THE PARROT AND THE CAT</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man once bought a Parrot and gave it the run of his house. It
revelled in its liberty, and presently flew up on to the
mantelpiece and screamed away to its heart's content. The noise
disturbed the Cat, who was asleep on the hearthrug. Looking up at
the intruder, she said, "Who may you be, and where have you come
from?" The Parrot replied, "Your master has just bought me and
brought me home with him." "You impudent bird," said the Cat, "how
dare you, a newcomer, make a noise like that? Why, I was born here,
and have lived here all my life, and yet, if I venture to mew, they
throw things at me and chase me all over the place." "Look here,
mistress," said the Parrot, "you just hold your tongue. My voice
they delight in; but yours&mdash;yours is a perfect nuisance."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_STAG_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE STAG AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave,
where he hoped to be safe from his pursuers. Unfortunately the cave
contained a Lion, to whom he fell an easy prey. "Unhappy that I
am," he cried, "I am saved from the power of the dogs only to fall
into the clutches of a Lion."</p>
<p class="adage">Out of the frying-pan into the fire.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_IMPOSTOR"></a>
<h2>THE IMPOSTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man fell ill, and, being in a very bad way, he made a
vow that he would sacrifice a hundred oxen to the gods if they
would grant him a return to health. Wishing to see how he would
keep his vow, they caused him to recover in a short time. Now, he
hadn't an ox in the world, so he made a hundred little oxen out of
tallow and offered them up on an altar, at the same time saying,
"Ye gods, I call you to witness that I have discharged my vow." The
gods determined to be even with him, so they sent him a dream, in
which he was bidden to go to the sea-shore and fetch a hundred
crowns which he was to find there. Hastening in great excitement to
the shore, he fell in with a band of robbers, who seized him and
carried him off to sell as a slave: and when they sold him a
hundred crowns was the sum he fetched.</p>
<p class="adage">Do not promise more than you can perform.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOGS_AND_THE_HIDES"></a>
<h2>THE DOGS AND THE HIDES</h2>
<br>
<p>Once upon a time a number of Dogs, who were famished with
hunger, saw some Hides steeping in a river, but couldn't get at
them because the water was too deep. So they put their heads
together, and decided to drink away at the river till it was
shallow enough for them to reach the Hides. But long before that
happened they burst themselves with drinking.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/225.jpg"
name="225"><img src="images/225.jpg" alt=
"THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS"></a></div>
<a name="THE_LION,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion, a Fox, and an Ass went out hunting together. They had
soon taken a large booty, which the Lion requested the Ass to
divide between them. The Ass divided it all into three equal parts,
and modestly begged the others to take their choice; at which the
Lion, bursting with fury, sprang upon the Ass and tore him to
pieces. Then, glaring at the Fox, he bade him make a fresh
division. The Fox gathered almost the whole in one great heap for
the Lion's share, leaving only the smallest possible morsel for
himself. "My dear friend," said the Lion, "how did you get the
knack of it so well?" The Fox replied, "Me? Oh, I took a lesson
from the Ass."</p>
<p class="adage">Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of
others.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOWLER,_THE_PARTRIDGE,_AND_THE_COCK"></a>
<h2>THE FOWLER, THE PARTRIDGE, AND THE COCK</h2>
<br>
<p>One day, as a Fowler was sitting down to a scanty supper of
herbs and bread, a friend dropped in unexpectedly. The larder was
empty; so he went out and caught a tame Partridge, which he kept as
a decoy, and was about to wring her neck when she cried, "Surely
you won't kill me? Why, what will you do without me next time you
go fowling? How will you get the birds to come to your nets?" He
let her go at this, and went to his hen-house, where he had a plump
young Cock. When the Cock saw what he was after, he too pleaded for
his life, and said, "If you kill me, how will you know the time of
night? and who will wake you up in the morning when it is time to
get to work?" The Fowler, however, replied, "You are useful for
telling the time, I know; but, for all that, I can't send my friend
supperless to bed." And therewith he caught him and wrung his
neck.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GNAT_AND_THE_LION"></a>
<h2>THE GNAT AND THE LION</h2>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/227.jpg"
name="227"><img src="images/227.jpg" alt=""></a></div>
<p>A Gnat once went up to a Lion and said, "I am not in the least
afraid of you: I don't even allow that you are a match for me in
strength. What does your strength amount to after all? That you can
scratch with your claws and bite with your teeth&mdash;just like a
woman in a temper&mdash;and nothing more. But I'm stronger than
you: if you don't believe it, let us fight and see." So saying, the
Gnat sounded his horn, and darted in and bit the Lion on the nose.
When the Lion felt the sting, in his haste to crush him he
scratched his nose badly, and made it bleed, but failed altogether
to hurt the Gnat, which buzzed off in triumph, elated by its
victory. Presently, however, it got entangled in a spider's web,
and was caught and eaten by the spider, thus falling a prey to an
insignificant insect after having triumphed over the King of the
Beasts.</p>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href=
"images/13gnat.jpg" name="13gnat"><img src="images/13-tgnat.jpg"
alt="THE GNAT AND THE LION"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FARMER_AND_HIS_DOGS"></a>
<h2>THE FARMER AND HIS DOGS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Farmer was snowed up in his farmstead by a severe storm, and
was unable to go out and procure provisions for himself and his
family. So he first killed his sheep and used them for food; then,
as the storm still continued, he killed his goats; and, last of
all, as the weather showed no signs of improving, he was compelled
to kill his oxen and eat them. When his Dogs saw the various
animals being killed and eaten in turn, they said to one another,
"We had better get out of this or we shall be the next to go!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_EAGLE_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE EAGLE AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>An Eagle and a Fox became great friends and determined to live
near one another: they thought that the more they saw of each other
the better friends they would be. So the Eagle built a nest at the
top of a high tree, while the Fox settled in a thicket at the foot
of it and produced a litter of cubs. One day the Fox went out
foraging for food, and the Eagle, who also wanted food for her
young, flew down into the thicket, caught up the Fox's cubs, and
carried them up into the tree for a meal for herself and her
family. When the Fox came back, and found out what had happened,
she was not so much sorry for the loss of her cubs as furious
because she couldn't get at the Eagle and pay her out for her
treachery. So she sat down not far off and cursed her. But it
wasn't long before she had her revenge. Some villagers happened to
be sacrificing a goat on a neighbouring altar, and the Eagle flew
down and carried off a piece of burning flesh to her nest. There
was a strong wind blowing, and the nest caught fire, with the
result that her fledglings fell half-roasted to the ground. Then
the Fox ran to the spot and devoured them in full sight of the
Eagle.</p>
<p class="adage">False faith may escape human punishment, but
cannot escape the divine.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_BUTCHER_AND_HIS_CUSTOMERS"></a>
<h2>THE BUTCHER AND HIS CUSTOMERS</h2>
<br>
<p>Two Men were buying meat at a Butcher's stall in the
market-place, and, while the Butcher's back was turned for a
moment, one of them snatched up a joint and hastily thrust it under
the other's cloak, where it could not be seen. When the Butcher
turned round, he missed the meat at once, and charged them with
having stolen it: but the one who had taken it said he hadn't got
it, and the one who had got it said he hadn't taken it. The Butcher
felt sure they were deceiving him, but he only said, "You may cheat
me with your lying, but you can't cheat the gods, and they won't
let you off so lightly."</p>
<p class="adage">Prevarication often amounts to perjury.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="HERCULES_AND_MINERVA"></a>
<h2>HERCULES AND MINERVA</h2>
<br>
<p>Hercules was once travelling along a narrow road when he saw
lying on the ground in front of him what appeared to be an apple,
and as he passed he stamped upon it with his heel. To his
astonishment, instead of being crushed it doubled in size; and, on
his attacking it again and smiting it with his club, it swelled up
to an enormous size and blocked up the whole road. Upon this he
dropped his club, and stood looking at it in amazement. Just then
Minerva appeared, and said to him, "Leave it alone, my friend; that
which you see before you is the apple of discord: if you do not
meddle with it, it remains small as it was at first, but if you
resort to violence it swells into the thing you see."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_WHO_SERVED_A_LION"></a>
<h2>THE FOX WHO SERVED A LION</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion had a Fox to attend on him, and whenever they went
hunting the Fox found the prey and the Lion fell upon it and killed
it, and then they divided it between them in certain proportions.
But the Lion always got a very large share, and the Fox a very
small one, which didn't please the latter at all; so he determined
to set up on his own account. He began by trying to steal a lamb
from a flock of sheep: but the shepherd saw him and set his dogs on
him. The hunter was now the hunted, and was very soon caught and
despatched by the dogs.</p>
<p class="adage">Better servitude with safety than freedom with
danger.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_QUACK_DOCTOR"></a>
<h2>THE QUACK DOCTOR</h2>
<br>
<p>A certain man fell sick and took to his bed. He consulted a
number of doctors from time to time, and they all, with one
exception, told him that his life was in no immediate danger, but
that his illness would probably last a considerable time. The one
who took a different view of his case, who was also the last to be
consulted, bade him prepare for the worst: "You have not
twenty-four hours to live," said he, "and I fear I can do nothing."
As it turned out, however, he was quite wrong; for at the end of a
few days the sick man quitted his bed and took a walk abroad,
looking, it is true, as pale as a ghost. In the course of his walk
he met the Doctor who had prophesied his death. "Dear me," said the
latter, "how do you do? You are fresh from the other world, no
doubt. Pray, how are our departed friends getting on there?" "Most
comfortably," replied the other, "for they have drunk the water of
oblivion, and have forgotten all the troubles of life. By the way,
just before I left, the authorities were making arrangements to
prosecute all the doctors, because they won't let sick men die in
the course of nature, but use their arts to keep them alive. They
were going to charge you along with the rest, till I assured them
that you were no doctor, but a mere impostor."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION,_THE_WOLF,_AND_THE_FOX"></a>
<h2>THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion, infirm with age, lay sick in his den, and all the beasts
of the forest came to inquire after his health with the exception
of the Fox. The Wolf thought this was a good opportunity for paying
off old scores against the Fox, so he called the attention of the
Lion to his absence, and said, "You see, sire, that we have all
come to see how you are except the Fox, who hasn't come near you,
and doesn't care whether you are well or ill." Just then the Fox
came in and heard the last words of the Wolf. The Lion roared at
him in deep displeasure, but he begged to be allowed to explain his
absence, and said, "Not one of them cares for you so much as I,
sire, for all the time I have been going round to the doctors and
trying to find a cure for your illness." "And may I ask if you have
found one?" said the Lion. "I have, sire," said the Fox, "and it is
this: you must flay a Wolf and wrap yourself in his skin while it
is still warm." The Lion accordingly turned to the Wolf and struck
him dead with one blow of his paw, in order to try the Fox's
prescription; but the Fox laughed and said to himself, "That's what
comes of stirring up ill-will."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="HERCULES_AND_PLUTUS"></a>
<h2>HERCULES AND PLUTUS</h2>
<br>
<p>When Hercules was received among the gods and was entertained at
a banquet by Jupiter, he responded courteously to the greetings of
all with the exception of Plutus, the god of wealth. When Plutus
approached him, he cast his eyes upon the ground, and turned away
and pretended not to see him. Jupiter was surprised at this conduct
on his part, and asked why, after having been so cordial with all
the other gods, he had behaved like that to Plutus. "Sire," said
Hercules, "I do not like Plutus, and I will tell you why. When we
were on earth together I always noticed that he was to be found in
the company of scoundrels."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/234.jpg"
name="234"><img src="images/234.jpg" alt=
"THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD"></a></div>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_LEOPARD"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox and a Leopard were disputing about their looks, and each
claimed to be the more handsome of the two. The Leopard said, "Look
at my smart coat; you have nothing to match that." But the Fox
replied, "Your coat may be smart, but my wits are smarter
still."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_HEDGEHOG"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fox, in swimming across a rapid river, was swept away by the
current and carried a long way downstream in spite of his
struggles, until at last, bruised and exhausted, he managed to
scramble on to dry ground from a backwater. As he lay there unable
to move, a swarm of horseflies settled on him and sucked his blood
undisturbed, for he was too weak even to shake them off. A Hedgehog
saw him, and asked if he should brush away the flies that were
tormenting him; but the Fox replied, "Oh, please, no, not on any
account, for these flies have sucked their fill and are taking very
little from me now; but, if you drive them off, another swarm of
hungry ones will come and suck all the blood I have left, and leave
me without a drop in my veins."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_CROW_AND_THE_RAVEN"></a>
<h2>THE CROW AND THE RAVEN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Crow became very jealous of a Raven, because the latter was
regarded by men as a bird of omen which foretold the future, and
was accordingly held in great respect by them. She was very anxious
to get the same sort of reputation herself; and, one day, seeing
some travellers approaching, she flew on to a branch of a tree at
the roadside and cawed as loud as she could. The travellers were in
some dismay at the sound, for they feared it might be a bad omen;
till one of them, spying the Crow, said to his companions, "It's
all right, my friends, we can go on without fear, for it's only a
crow and that means nothing."</p>
<p class="adage">Those who pretend to be something they are not
only make themselves ridiculous.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WITCH"></a>
<h2>THE WITCH</h2>
<br>
<p>A Witch professed to be able to avert the anger of the gods by
means of charms, of which she alone possessed the secret; and she
drove a brisk trade, and made a fat livelihood out of it. But
certain persons accused her of black magic and carried her before
the judges, and demanded that she should be put to death for
dealings with the Devil. She was found guilty and condemned to
death: and one of the judges said to her as she was leaving the
dock, "You say you can avert the anger of the gods. How comes it,
then, that you have failed to disarm the enmity of men?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_OLD_MAN_AND_DEATH"></a>
<h2>THE OLD MAN AND DEATH</h2>
<br>
<p>An Old Man cut himself a bundle of faggots in a wood and started
to carry them home. He had a long way to go, and was tired out
before he had got much more than half-way. Casting his burden on
the ground, he called upon Death to come and release him from his
life of toil. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when, much
to his dismay, Death stood before him and professed his readiness
to serve him. He was almost frightened out of his wits, but he had
enough presence of mind to stammer out, "Good sir, if you'd be so
kind, pray help me up with my burden again."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MISER"></a>
<h2>THE MISER</h2>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/238.jpg" name="238"><img src=
"images/238t.jpg" alt="THE MISER"></a></div>
<p>A Miser sold everything he had, and melted down his hoard of
gold into a single lump, which he buried secretly in a field. Every
day he went to look at it, and would sometimes spend long hours
gloating over his treasure. One of his men noticed his frequent
visits to the spot, and one day watched him and discovered his
secret. Waiting his opportunity, he went one night and dug up the
gold and stole it. Next day the Miser visited the place as usual,
and, finding his treasure gone, fell to tearing his hair and
groaning over his loss. In this condition he was seen by one of his
neighbours, who asked him what his trouble was. The Miser told him
of his misfortune; but the other replied, "Don't take it so much to
heart, my friend; put a brick into the hole, and take a look at it
every day: you won't be any worse off than before, for even when
you had your gold it was of no earthly use to you."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOXES_AND_THE_RIVER"></a>
<h2>THE FOXES AND THE RIVER</h2>
<br>
<p>A number of Foxes assembled on the bank of a river and wanted to
drink; but the current was so strong and the water looked so deep
and dangerous that they didn't dare to do so, but stood near the
edge encouraging one another not to be afraid. At last one of them,
to shame the rest, and show how brave he was, said, "I am not a bit
frightened! See, I'll step right into the water!" He had no sooner
done so than the current swept him off his feet. When the others
saw him being carried down-stream they cried, "Don't go and leave
us! Come back and show us where we too can drink with safety." But
he replied, "I'm afraid I can't yet: I want to go to the seaside,
and this current will take me there nicely. When I come back I'll
show you with pleasure."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HORSE_AND_THE_STAG"></a>
<h2>THE HORSE AND THE STAG</h2>
<br>
<p>There was once a Horse who used to graze in a meadow which he
had all to himself. But one day a Stag came into the meadow, and
said he had as good a right to feed there as the Horse, and
moreover chose all the best places for himself. The Horse, wishing
to be revenged upon his unwelcome visitor, went to a man and asked
if he would help him to turn out the Stag. "Yes," said the man, "I
will by all means; but I can only do so if you let me put a bridle
in your mouth and mount on your back." The Horse agreed to this,
and the two together very soon turned the Stag out of the pasture:
but when that was done, the Horse found to his dismay that in the
man he had got a master for good.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_BRAMBLE"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE</h2>
<br>
<p>In making his way through a hedge a Fox missed his footing and
caught at a Bramble to save himself from falling. Naturally, he got
badly scratched, and in disgust he cried to the Bramble, "It was
your help I wanted, and see how you have treated me! I'd sooner
have fallen outright." The Bramble, interrupting him, replied, "You
must have lost your wits, my friend, to catch at me, who am myself
always catching at others."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_FOX_AND_THE_SNAKE"></a>
<h2>THE FOX AND THE SNAKE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Snake, in crossing a river, was carried away by the current,
but managed to wriggle on to a bundle of thorns which was floating
by, and was thus carried at a great rate down-stream. A Fox caught
sight of it from the bank as it went whirling along, and called
out, "Gad! the passenger fits the ship!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_LION,_THE_FOX,_AND_THE_STAG"></a>
<h2>THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE STAG</h2>
<br>
<p>A Lion lay sick in his den, unable to provide himself with food.
So he said to his friend the Fox, who came to ask how he did, "My
good friend, I wish you would go to yonder wood and beguile the big
Stag, who lives there, to come to my den: I have a fancy to make my
dinner off a stag's heart and brains." The Fox went to the wood and
found the Stag and said to him, "My dear sir, you're in luck. You
know the Lion, our King: well, he's at the point of death, and has
appointed you his successor to rule over the beasts. I hope you
won't forget that I was the first to bring you the good news. And
now I must be going back to him; and, if you take my advice, you'll
come too and be with him at the last." The Stag was highly
flattered, and followed the Fox to the Lion's den, suspecting
nothing. No sooner had he got inside than the Lion sprang upon him,
but he misjudged his spring, and the Stag got away with only his
ears torn, and returned as fast as he could to the shelter of the
wood. The Fox was much mortified, and the Lion, too, was dreadfully
disappointed, for he was getting very hungry in spite of his
illness. So he begged the Fox to have another try at coaxing the
Stag to his den. "It'll be almost impossible this time," said the
Fox, "but I'll try"; and off he went to the wood a second time, and
found the Stag resting and trying to recover from his fright. As
soon as he saw the Fox he cried, "You scoundrel, what do you mean
by trying to lure me to my death like that? Take yourself off, or
I'll do you to death with my horns." But the Fox was entirely
shameless. "What a coward you were," said he; "surely you didn't
think the Lion meant any harm? Why, he was only going to whisper
some royal secrets into your ear when you went off like a scared
rabbit. You have rather disgusted him, and I'm not sure he won't
make the wolf King instead, unless you come back at once and show
you've got some spirit. I promise you he won't hurt you, and I will
be your faithful servant." The Stag was foolish enough to be
persuaded to return, and this time the Lion made no mistake, but
overpowered him, and feasted right royally upon his carcase. The
Fox, meanwhile, watched his chance and, when the Lion wasn't
looking, filched away the brains to reward him for his trouble.
Presently the Lion began searching for them, of course without
success: and the Fox, who was watching him, said, "I don't think
it's much use your looking for the brains: a creature who twice
walked into a Lion's den can't have got any."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_MAN_WHO_LOST_HIS_SPADE"></a>
<h2>THE MAN WHO LOST HIS SPADE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Man was engaged in digging over his vineyard, and one day on
coming to work he missed his Spade. Thinking it may have been
stolen by one of his labourers, he questioned them closely, but
they one and all denied any knowledge of it. He was not convinced
by their denials, and insisted that they should all go to the town
and take oath in a temple that they were not guilty of the theft.
This was because he had no great opinion of the simple country
deities, but thought that the thief would not pass undetected by
the shrewder gods of the town. When they got inside the gates the
first thing they heard was the town crier proclaiming a reward for
information about a thief who had stolen something from the city
temple. "Well," said the Man to himself, "it strikes me I had
better go back home again. If these town gods can't detect the
thieves who steal from their own temples, it's scarcely likely they
can tell me who stole my Spade."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_PARTRIDGE_AND_THE_FOWLER"></a>
<h2>THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOWLER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Fowler caught a Partridge in his nets, and was just about to
wring its neck when it made a piteous appeal to him to spare its
life and said, "Do not kill me, but let me live and I will repay
you for your kindness by decoying other partridges into your nets."
"No," said the Fowler, "I will not spare you. I was going to kill
you anyhow, and after that treacherous speech you thoroughly
deserve your fate."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_RUNAWAY_SLAVE"></a>
<h2>THE RUNAWAY SLAVE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Slave, being discontented with his lot, ran away from his
master. He was soon missed by the latter, who lost no time in
mounting his horse and setting out in pursuit of the fugitive. He
presently came up with him, and the Slave, in the hope of avoiding
capture, slipped into a treadmill and hid himself there. "Aha,"
said his master, "that's the very place for you, my man!"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"><a href="images/245.jpg"
name="245"><img src="images/245.jpg" alt=
"THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN"></a></div>
<a name="THE_HUNTER_AND_THE_WOODMAN"></a>
<h2>THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hunter was searching in the forest for the tracks of a lion,
and, catching sight presently of a Woodman engaged in felling a
tree, he went up to him and asked him if he had noticed a lion's
footprints anywhere about, or if he knew where his den was. The
Woodman answered, "If you will come with me, I will show you the
lion himself." The Hunter turned pale with fear, and his teeth
chattered as he replied, "Oh, I'm not looking for the lion, thanks,
but only for his tracks."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SERPENT_AND_THE_EAGLE"></a>
<h2>THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE</h2>
<br>
<p>An Eagle swooped down upon a Serpent and seized it in his talons
with the intention of carrying it off and devouring it. But the
Serpent was too quick for him and had its coils round him in a
moment; and then there ensued a life-and-death struggle between the
two. A countryman, who was a witness of the encounter, came to the
assistance of the Eagle, and succeeded in freeing him from the
Serpent and enabling him to escape. In revenge the Serpent spat
some of his poison into the man's drinking-horn. Heated with his
exertions, the man was about to slake his thirst with a draught
from the horn, when the Eagle knocked it out of his hand, and
spilled its contents upon the ground.</p>
<p class="adage">One good turn deserves another.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_ROGUE_AND_THE_ORACLE"></a>
<h2>THE ROGUE AND THE ORACLE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Rogue laid a wager that he would prove the Oracle at Delphi to
be untrustworthy by procuring from it a false reply to an inquiry
by himself. So he went to the temple on the appointed day with a
small bird in his hand, which he concealed under the folds of his
cloak, and asked whether what he held in his hand were alive or
dead. If the Oracle said "dead," he meant to produce the bird
alive: if the reply was "alive," he intended to wring its neck and
show it to be dead. But the Oracle was one too many for him, for
the answer he got was this: "Stranger, whether the thing that you
hold in your hand be alive or dead is a matter that depends
entirely on your own will."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HORSE_AND_THE_ASS"></a>
<h2>THE HORSE AND THE ASS</h2>
<br>
<div class="figright"><a href="images/247.jpg" name="247"><img src=
"images/247t.jpg" alt="THE HORSE AND THE ASS"></a></div>
<p>A Horse, proud of his fine harness, met an Ass on the high-road.
As the Ass with his heavy burden moved slowly out of the way to let
him pass, the Horse cried out impatiently that he could hardly
resist kicking him to make him move faster. The Ass held his peace,
but did not forget the other's insolence. Not long afterwards the
Horse became broken-winded, and was sold by his owner to a farmer.
One day, as he was drawing a dung-cart, he met the Ass again, who
in turn derided him and said, "Aha! you never thought to come to
this, did you, you who were so proud! Where are all your gay
trappings now?"</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_DOG_CHASING_A_WOLF"></a>
<h2>THE DOG CHASING A WOLF</h2>
<br>
<p>A Dog was chasing a Wolf, and as he ran he thought what a fine
fellow he was, and what strong legs he had, and how quickly they
covered the ground. "Now, there's this Wolf," he said to himself,
"what a poor creature he is: he's no match for me, and he knows it
and so he runs away." But the Wolf looked round just then and said,
"Don't you imagine I'm running away from you, my friend: it's your
master I'm afraid of."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="GRIEF_AND_HIS_DUE"></a>
<h2>GRIEF AND HIS DUE</h2>
<br>
<p>When Jupiter was assigning the various gods their privileges, it
so happened that Grief was not present with the rest: but when all
had received their share, he too entered and claimed his due.
Jupiter was at a loss to know what to do, for there was nothing
left for him. However, at last he decided that to him should belong
the tears that are shed for the dead. Thus it is the same with
Grief as it is with the other gods. The more devoutly men render to
him his due, the more lavish is he of that which he has to bestow.
It is not well, therefore, to mourn long for the departed; else
Grief, whose sole pleasure is in such mourning, will be quick to
send fresh cause for tears.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HAWK,_THE_KITE,_AND_THE_PIGEONS"></a>
<h2>THE HAWK, THE KITE, AND THE PIGEONS</h2>
<br>
<p>The Pigeons in a certain dovecote were persecuted by a Kite, who
every now and then swooped down and carried off one of their
number. So they invited a Hawk into the dovecote to defend them
against their enemy. But they soon repented of their folly: for the
Hawk killed more of them in a day than the Kite had done in a
year.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_WOMAN_AND_THE_FARMER"></a>
<h2>THE WOMAN AND THE FARMER</h2>
<br>
<p>A Woman, who had lately lost her husband, used to go every day
to his grave and lament her loss. A Farmer, who was engaged in
ploughing not far from the spot, set eyes upon the Woman and
desired to have her for his wife: so he left his plough and came
and sat by her side, and began to shed tears himself. She asked him
why he wept; and he replied, "I have lately lost my wife, who was
very dear to me, and tears ease my grief." "And I," said she, "have
lost my husband." And so for a while they mourned in silence. Then
he said, "Since you and I are in like case, shall we not do well to
marry and live together? I shall take the place of your dead
husband, and you, that of my dead wife." The Woman consented to the
plan, which indeed seemed reasonable enough: and they dried their
tears. Meanwhile, a thief had come and stolen the oxen which the
Farmer had left with his plough. On discovering the theft, he beat
his breast and loudly bewailed his loss. When the Woman heard his
cries, she came and said, "Why, are you weeping still?" To which he
replied, "Yes, and I mean it this time."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="PROMETHEUS_AND_THE_MAKING_OF_MAN"></a>
<h2>PROMETHEUS AND THE MAKING OF MAN</h2>
<br>
<p>At the bidding of Jupiter, Prometheus set about the creation of
Man and the other animals. Jupiter, seeing that Mankind, the only
rational creatures, were far outnumbered by the irrational beasts,
bade him redress the balance by turning some of the latter into
men. Prometheus did as he was bidden, and this is the reason why
some people have the forms of men but the souls of beasts.</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_SWALLOW_AND_THE_CROW"></a>
<h2>THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Swallow was once boasting to a Crow about her birth. "I was
once a princess," said she, "the daughter of a King of Athens, but
my husband used me cruelly, and cut out my tongue for a slight
fault. Then, to protect me from further injury, I was turned by
Juno into a bird." "You chatter quite enough as it is," said the
Crow. "What you would have been like if you hadn't lost your
tongue, I can't think."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_HUNTER_AND_THE_HORSEMAN"></a>
<h2>THE HUNTER AND THE HORSEMAN</h2>
<br>
<p>A Hunter went out after game, and succeeded in catching a hare,
which he was carrying home with him when he met a man on horseback,
who said to him, "You have had some sport I see, sir," and offered
to buy it. The Hunter readily agreed; but the Horseman had no
sooner got the hare in his hands than he set spurs to his horse and
went off at full gallop. The Hunter ran after him for some little
distance; but it soon dawned upon him that he had been tricked, and
he gave up trying to overtake the Horseman, and, to save his face,
called after him as loud as he could, "All right, sir, all right,
take your hare: it was meant all along as a present."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_GOATHERD_AND_THE_WILD_GOATS"></a>
<h2>THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS</h2>
<br>
<p>A Goatherd was tending his goats out at pasture when he saw a
number of Wild Goats approach and mingle with his flock. At the end
of the day he drove them home and put them all into the pen
together. Next day the weather was so bad that he could not take
them out as usual: so he kept them at home in the pen, and fed them
there. He only gave his own goats enough food to keep them from
starving, but he gave the Wild Goats as much as they could eat and
more; for he was very anxious for them to stay, and he thought that
if he fed them well they wouldn't want to leave him. When the
weather improved, he took them all out to pasture again; but no
sooner had they got near the hills than the Wild Goats broke away
from the flock and scampered off. The Goatherd was very much
disgusted at this, and roundly abused them for their ingratitude.
"Rascals!" he cried, "to run away like that after the way I've
treated you!" Hearing this, one of them turned round and said, "Oh,
yes, you treated us all right&mdash;too well, in fact; it was just
that that put us on our guard. If you treat newcomers like
ourselves so much better than your own flock, it's more than likely
that, if another lot of strange goats joined yours, _we_ should
then be neglected in favour of the last comers."</p>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_NIGHTINGALE_AND_THE_SWALLOW"></a>
<h2>THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE SWALLOW</h2>
<br>
<p>A Swallow, conversing with a Nightingale, advised her to quit
the leafy coverts where she made her home, and to come and live
with men, like herself, and nest under the shelter of their roofs.
But the Nightingale replied, "Time was when I too, like yourself,
lived among men: but the memory of the cruel wrongs I then suffered
makes them hateful to me, and never again will I approach their
dwellings."</p>
<p class="adage">The scene of past sufferings revives painful
memories.</p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<hr>
<br>
<br>
<a name="THE_TRAVELLER_AND_FORTUNE"></a>
<h2>THE TRAVELLER AND FORTUNE</h2>
<br>
<p>A Traveller, exhausted with fatigue after a long journey, sank
down at the very brink of a deep well and presently fell asleep. He
was within an ace of falling in, when Dame Fortune appeared to him
and touched him on the shoulder, cautioning him to move further
away. "Wake up, good sir, I pray you," she said; "had you fallen
into the well, the blame would have been thrown not on your own
folly but on me, Fortune."</p>







<pre>





End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Aesop's Fables, by Aesop

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AESOP'S FABLES ***

***** This file should be named 11339-h.htm or 11339-h.zip *****
This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
        http://www.gutenberg.net/1/1/3/3/11339/

Produced by Suzanne Shell, Greg Chapman and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team.


Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
will be renamed.

Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
redistribution.



*** START: FULL LICENSE ***

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
http://gutenberg.net/license).


Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic works

1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works.  See paragraph 1.E below.

1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.

1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
States.

1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
copied or distributed:

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net

1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
1.E.9.

1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.

1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg-tm License.

1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net),
you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
that

- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."

- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
     License.  You must require such a user to return or
     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
     Project Gutenberg-tm works.

- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
     of receipt of the work.

- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.

1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

1.F.

1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
your equipment.

1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.

1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
opportunities to fix the problem.

1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.


Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm

Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
people in all walks of life.

Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.


Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation

The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.

The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
page at http://pglaf.org

For additional contact information:
     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
     Chief Executive and Director
     gbnewby@pglaf.org

Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation

Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
status with the IRS.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
particular state visit http://pglaf.org

While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.

International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
donations.  To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate


Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works.

Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
compressed (zipped), HTML and others.

Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
new filenames and etext numbers.

Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:

     http://www.gutenberg.net

This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
download by the etext year.

     http://www.gutenberg.net/etext06

    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)

EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:

     http://www.gutenberg.net/1/0/2/3/10234

or filename 24689 would be found at:
     http://www.gutenberg.net/2/4/6/8/24689

An alternative method of locating eBooks:
     http://www.gutenberg.net/GUTINDEX.ALL




</pre>

</body>
</html>
